Black-backed Grosbeak vs Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus aureoventris compared with Pheucticus melanocephalus

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Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Black-backed Grosbeak Black-headed Grosbeak
Scientific Name Pheucticus aureoventris Pheucticus melanocephalus
Order Passeriformes Passeriformes
Family Cardinalidae Cardinalidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 22.1 cm (8.7 in) 20.1 cm (7.9 in)
Weight 58.5 g (2.06 oz) 43.61 g (1.54 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 2-3 2-5
Population Trend
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Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Black-backed Grosbeak only

None

Black-headed Grosbeak only

None

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Conservation Status

Least Concern

Black-backed Grosbeak

Least Concern

Black-headed Grosbeak

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About These Birds

Black-backed Grosbeak

The Black-backed Grosbeak is a large, striking finch found along forest edges and scrubby montane slopes on the eastern Andes from Colombia to Bolivia and Argentina. Males have a black back and head with golden-yellow underparts and a massive bill. It feeds on seeds, berries, and insects, often foraging in the canopy.

Black-headed Grosbeak

The Black-headed Grosbeak is a large, robust finch; males have a striking black head, cinnamon-orange breast, and black-and-white wings, while females are streaked brown. It breeds in open woodland, forest edges, and riparian habitats of western North America, migrating to Mexico and Central America in winter. It uses its powerful bill to crack open seeds and eats insects, berries, and fruits.

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