167. Black-headed Grosbeak

Black-headed Grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus ) is a relatively new arrival here at Leaning Oaks.  Our first record was in August 2007 with a single bird coming to one of our feeders for a few weeks.  The next spring we had a number of birds using both the fat and seed feeders and Black-headed Grosbeaks have become a regular bird ever since.  Grosbeaks arrive here in early May and staying through August.  During May and June they are noisy singers, with male songs described as "an American Robin on amphetamines".  Their call notes are also distinctive and many of our August records are based on the call notes, since they sing far less frequently during that months.