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by Kym Backland

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Did you want a profile shot?

Artist

Kym Backland

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Photograph - Photo

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I tried for months, to get a picture of this pretty "yellow fellow". He was quite elusive. I could always hear him singing, first thing in the morning, and last thing in the night. I was told their song is like that of a Robin (with a sore throat). I don't know about that, but I sure do get excited when I hear The Black Headed Grosbeak's song. I know it is summer around here. This is about the most colorful bird I get to see. Here are some of those factoids, you might want to know about this gorgeous little feller.
In western North America, the sweet song of the Black-headed Grosbeak caroling down from the treetops sounds like a tipsy robin welcoming spring. The flashy black, white, and cinnamon males and the less flamboyant females sing from perches in suburbs, desert thickets, and mountain forests. At feeders they effortlessly shuck sunflower seeds with their heavy bills. The showy male puts in equal time on the domestic front: both sexes sit on the eggs, feed the young, and feistily defend their nesting territory. Black-headed Grosbeaks are hefty songbirds with very large bills that are conical and thick at the base. They have large heads and short, thick necks. A short tail imparts a compact, chunky look. Breeding males are rich orange-cinnamon with a black head and black-and-white wings. Females and immature males are brown above with warm orange or buff on the breast, and some have streaks on the sides of the breast. All have grayish bills. In flight, they flash bright yellow under the wings. Often hidden as they hop about in dense foliage gleaning insects and seeds, Black-headed Grosbeaks feed readily on sunflower seeds at feeders. Males sing in a rich, whistled lilt from treetops in spring and summer. The short, squeaky chip note is distinctive and can be a good way to find these birds Look for Black-headed Grosbeaks in mixed woodlands and edges from mountain forests to thickets along desert streams to backyards and gardens. Ideal habitat includes some large trees and a diverse understory.
￿Stocky songbird with massive gray bill
￿Black wings with white patches
￿Dull orange collar and under parts

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June 15th, 2014

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