ExploreBirds

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

The Black-headed Grosbeak is a colorful bird with a bright orange body and a black head. They love to sing beautiful songs and can be found in forests and gardens, especially during spring and summer.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Black-headed Grosbeak male has a striking black head, rusty-orange breast, and black wings with prominent white patches. Females are streaky brown with yellowish underparts and distinct facial markings, setting them apart from similar songbirds.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyCardinalidaeGenusPheucticus
Black-headed Grosbeak
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Black-headed Grosbeak

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

25

Interesting facts

Baby grosbeaks are born blind and featherless, relying entirely on their parents for food!

Males often sing while sitting on the nest, a rare behavior among most bird dads!

Their powerful beaks can even crack open hard snail shells, a unique bird superpower!

These birds enjoy eating sweet fruit and are sometimes seen in backyard orchards!

Special abilities

Ability

Mighty Mandibles

Black-headed Grosbeak has a massive, conical bill that helps them crush even the toughest seeds with ease.

Ability

Pest Patrol

Black-headed Grosbeak can eat many types of garden insects, because they are opportunistic omnivores.

Ability

Melody Master

Black-headed Grosbeak has a rich, flowing, robin-like song that helps them defend territory.

Measurements & details

Length
18-20 cm
Wingspan
31-33 cm
Weight
0.035-0.049 kg
Lifespan
5-10 years
Top Speed
40 km/h
Clutch Size
2-5
Incubation
12-14 days
Migration Distance
3500 km

Diet & Feeding

These birds are omnivores, enjoying a mix of insects, seeds, and sweet fruits like berries.

Primary Foods

  • beetles
  • caterpillars
  • berries
  • sunflower seeds
  • peas
  • snails

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance and don't disturb their nests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Black-headed Grosbeak?

The easiest way to identify Black-headed Grosbeak is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Black-headed Grosbeak?

18-20 cm

What is Black-headed Grosbeak's wingspan?

31-33 cm

How much does Black-headed Grosbeak weigh?

0.035-0.049 kg

How long does Black-headed Grosbeak live?

5-10 years

How fast can Black-headed Grosbeak move?

40 km/h

What does Black-headed Grosbeak eat?

These birds are omnivores, enjoying a mix of insects, seeds, and sweet fruits like berries.

Where is Black-headed Grosbeak usually found?

Forests

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