Are black headed grosbeaks rare?

The black headed grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus) is a medium-sized songbird found in western North America. It is a striking bird with a black head, neck, and upper breast contrasting sharply with a bright yellow-orange lower breast. The back and wings are mostly black with white patches. The male has brighter plumage than the female.

Are Black Headed Grosbeaks Rare?

Black headed grosbeaks are not considered rare across their range as a whole. However, they do have a patchy distribution and can be quite localized in some areas, leading them to be considered rare or uncommon in parts of their range.

Some key facts about the rarity and population status of black headed grosbeaks:

– Their global population is estimated at around 3.5 million individuals and is considered stable. So they are not rare from a global perspective.

– They have a large range covering much of western North America from British Columbia to northwest Mexico. Across this range they occur in appropriate habitat, so are not rare at a continental scale.

– However, their breeding range is quite patchy and localized. There are certain areas where they are common summer residents, surrounded by large areas where they are absent or very uncommon.

– They are rare and considered a Species of Special Concern in Saskatchewan. They are a localized breeder in the Cypress Hills region.

– In Manitoba, they are considered rare and a Species of Conservation Concern, occurring only locally in southwest sections of the province.

– They are considered a Species of Special Concern in Montana, where populations have declined and they are now uncommon and local in distribution.

– In Oregon, they are listed as a Sensitive Critical Species, considered threatened, endangered, or sensitive throughout their range.

– In Washington, they are listed as a State Candidate species, being monitored for potential listing as Threatened or Endangered.

So in summary, from a global perspective black headed grosbeaks are reasonably common and not rare. However, their patchy distribution means they can be quite rare and uncommon in parts of their range, especially on the northern and eastern fringes. Local populations appear to be declining in some areas.

Breeding Range and Habitat

The black headed grosbeak breeds from southern British Columbia, through western Alberta and Saskatchewan, south through Washington, Oregon, and California, and into Baja California and western Arizona.

They breed in open deciduous woodlands, especially those dominated by cottonwoods. They also use parks, streamside woodlands, and mountain shrublands with scattered trees. They prefer habitat mosaics that provide dense cover interspersed with open areas.

In Washington, breeding habitat is often a mix of cottonwood and alder trees along rivers and streams. In Oregon, they occur in deciduous forests in the Willamette Valley and along the Columbia River.

On the eastern fringe of their range in Montana and Saskatchewan, they are restricted to isolated patches of suitable habitat like riparian woodlands and the Cypress Hills. It is in these peripheral areas that they are most localized and considered rare.

Wintering Range and Habitat

The black headed grosbeak migrates south to winter primarily in central and western Mexico. They occur as far south as Oaxaca.

On the wintering grounds, they use semi-open deciduous and pine-oak woodlands, fields and orchards with scattered trees, and streamside woodlands and scrub. They usually winter in the southern parts of their breeding range as well.

Food and Feeding

Black headed grosbeaks eat a wide variety of seeds, fruits, and insects.

Key food items include:

– Seeds from trees like maples, elms, and cottonwoods. They often feed on bud clusters.
– Berries from shrubs and vines including elderberries, blackberries, raspberries, and wild grapes.
– Insects including beetles, caterpillars, grasshoppers, and bees. They capture insects on the wing or glean them from foliage.
– Flower nectar and pollen provides an important food source, especially early in the breeding season.
– Spiders and snails are also eaten.
– Small amounts of tree sap may be consumed.
– At bird feeders they will eat sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet.

They forage primarily in trees and shrubs, using their slightly decurved bill to probe into crevices and flower clusters. They sometimes flycatch pursuing insects. Most feeding is done mid-level in the trees.

Breeding and Nesting

The breeding season for black headed grosbeaks runs from mid-April to late July. They often raise two broods per season.

Males establish breeding territories and sing to attract females. The song is a rich warbling melody often described as a robin’s song on steroids!

Nests are open, cup-shaped, and loosely constructed from twigs, grasses, and stems. Nests are built in the fork of a horizontal branch, 5-15 feet high in a deciduous tree. Both sexes help construct the nest.

Typical clutch size is 3-5 eggs. The eggs are pale blue with brown speckling. Only the female incubates the eggs for about 14 days.

Both parents feed the young through the nestling period of 10-14 days. Fledglings are reliant on the parents for 2-3 weeks after leaving the nest. Pairs may raise a second brood in the season.

Migration

Black headed grosbeaks are long distance migrants, wintering primarily in Mexico.

Fall migration runs from August to October. They migrate in loose flocks, often with other songbirds.

Spring migration occurs over a long period from late March to late May. Males arrive early on the breeding grounds to establish territories.

They are often observed on migration at backyard feeders, wooded parks, and nature reserves. Good sightings indicate the migratory peak periods.

Conservation Status and Threats

The global population of black headed grosbeaks is estimated at 3.5 million and is currently stable. However, they do face a number of threats and local declines:

– Habitat loss is the major threat, as riparian woodlands are cleared or degraded.

– Invasive species like starlings compete for nest sites. Brook trout prey on nestlings.

– Pesticide use may reduce insect prey populations. Herbicides can destroy weed seeds and fruits.

– Increased fire frequency alters the vegetation structure in shrublands.

– Brown-headed cowbird nest parasitism impacts reproduction.

– Collisions with towers and other structures during migration.

More research is needed on potential declines in peripheral populations like Saskatchewan. Habitat conservation is the main conservation need. Artificial nest boxes can help provide safe nesting sites.

Fun Facts about Black Headed Grosbeaks

Here are few interesting and entertaining facts about the black headed grosbeak:

– The male sings a rich, loud song composed of over 100 phrases. One of the most complex melodies produced by any songbird!

– They can sing continuously for over 10 minutes at dawn during the breeding season. A beautiful and impressive sound to wake up to!

– Males are polygamous, mating with up to 5 different females in a season. But the male does not participate in raising the young.

– The nests are poorly constructed compared to other songbirds. Nests are often destroyed by wind and rain storms.

– The oldest recorded black headed grosbeak was a male recaptured after 8 years and 3 months.

– After the breeding season, they molt into a duller basic plumage. But retain their black heads unlike other grosbeaks.

– Their genus name Pheucticus comes from the Greek for “painted with cosmetics”, referring to their bold face patterns.

– They get their name from their striking appearance – a black head on an orange and yellow body. A very apt description!

Conclusion

In summary, the black headed grosbeak is a medium-sized songbird displaying beautiful, contrasting plumage. They breed in open woodlands across western North America. While still common in places, their patchy distribution means they can be quite rare and uncommon in parts of their range. Habitat loss and fragmentation are the major threats to local populations. But global numbers seem to be stable at this time. They are a colorful and musical addition to parks, backyards, and nature reserves across the western states and provinces.