Don’t Let Anyone Dull Your Sparkle
I’m excited to find Black-headed Grosbeaks back in my garden this spring. The first two arrived yesterday, and two more came in today. The don’t seem to get along with the Bluebirds that frequent my yard this time of year, so there is lots of bird action to watch : )
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.
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology
(Nikon, 500mm, 1/1000 @ f/5.6, ISO 1250)
Don’t Let Anyone Dull Your Sparkle
I’m excited to find Black-headed Grosbeaks back in my garden this spring. The first two arrived yesterday, and two more came in today. The don’t seem to get along with the Bluebirds that frequent my yard this time of year, so there is lots of bird action to watch : )
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.
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology
(Nikon, 500mm, 1/1000 @ f/5.6, ISO 1250)