Source and Additional Information

Animal Diversity Web
 
Lenya Friesner
Some rights reserved

Black-headed grosbeaks are diurnal animals, active in the daytime and resting at night. Their distinctive flight pattern features short, rapid wing beats. Black-headed grosbeaks are relatively aggressive towards conspecifics during the breeding season, both males and females will fight with other grosbeaks of the same sex over territory or to protect eggs. Outside of breeding season, black-headed grosbeaks occur in small, loose flocks. These birds are migratory, moving between summer breeding ranges and wintering ranges yearly. (Copyright © 2005 NatureServe et al., 2005; Kroodsma, 1974; Lynes, 1998; Mitch Waite Group, 2004)

Home Range

The individual territories of black-headed grosbeaks range from 7,900 to 27,000 square meters. (Mitch Waite Group, 2004)

Communication and Perception

Source and Additional Information

Animal Diversity Web
 
Lenya Friesner
Some rights reserved

Black-headed grosbeaks have a distinct song which resembles its close relative, rose-breasted grosbeaks (Pheucticus ludovicianus). This song is similar to that of a robin or western tanager, but richer and clearer, containing whistled notes, trills, and a back-and-forth warble. Males sing to declare territory and attract females, while females use song while foraging, to communicate or respond to other females, and to maintain contact with their offspring. Black-headed grosbeaks also use visual cues in communication, such as in assessing mates and responding to young. (Lynes, 1998; Mitch Waite Group, 2004)