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Black-headed Grosbeak

Black-headed Grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus)

Grosbeaks & Buntings Uncommon Summer and Spring
Black-headed Grosbeak

Black-headed Grosbeak, male - Morongo Valley, CA
© Tom Benson

Black-headed Grosbeak

Black-headed Grosbeak, female - Morongo Valley, CA
© Tom Benson

The Black-headed Grosbeak is an uncommon spring and fall migrant on campus in April-May and July-September. It is a common migrant throughout southern California and a common breeding bird in woodlands from the mountains to the coast.

High Count: 5, Average Count: 1-2

The male Black-headed Grosbeak can be identified by its black head, black back and tail with large white spots, orangish neck, breast and sides, yellow belly, and deep, conical bill. Females have a brown head with a white supercilium (line above the eye), brown upperparts with white wing bars, a pale orangish cast to the neck, throat, and breast, and white bellies with brown streaking on sides.