What kinds of grosbeaks can you find in Nevada?

The name “Grosbeak” may imply that their beaks are gross, but they are anything but that.

In actuality, the meaning of the name comes from the Latin words “gros” and “beccus,” meaning “large beaks.” This name is fitting since these beautiful birds rely on their thick bills to crack open nuts and seeds.

Luckily, all types of grosbeaks in Nevada visit bird feeders, so you have a good chance of attracting multiple species to your yard. If you’re lucky, you may even see a grosbeak at my bird feeding station right now! I have a LIVE high-definition camera watching my bird feeders 24/7. 🙂

• Watch my live bird feeder camera HERE!

Here are the THREE types of grosbeaks that live in Nevada:

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#1. Evening Grosbeak

• Coccothraustes vespertinus

Identifying Characteristics:

• Both sexes have a large, thick, conical beak and are the size of an American Robin.
• Males are yellow and black with a prominent white patch in the wings and a bright yellow stripe over the eye.
• Females are mostly gray with white and black wings and a greenish-yellow tinge on their neck and sides.

 

These birds are some of the most beautiful grosbeaks in Nevada!

 

Typically, Evening Grosbeaks are found in the northern coniferous forests, and in winter, they can be found sometimes in Nevada as they search for food.

 

Evening Grosbeaks are known for their large and strong bill. They use their robust bills to crack open seeds that other birds are unable to open.

Evening Grosbeak Range Map

In fact, this species will show up at feeders far south of their normal winter range, which provides a treat for backyard birders. You can attract them with sunflower seeds placed onto a large platform feeder, allowing ample room for them to land and eat.

 

Interestingly, Evening Grosbeaks don’t sing songs! But they do have some simple calls, including sweet, piercing notes and burry chirps, which you can hear below!

 

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#2. Blue Grosbeak

• Passerina caerulea

Identifying Characteristics:

• Stocky grosbeak with a huge, triangular bill.
• Males are deep, rich blue with a tiny black mask in front of the eyes, chestnut wing bars, and a black and silver beak.
• Females are primarily cinnamon-brown. The color is richer on the head, paler on the underparts; their tails are bluish.

 

Blue Grosbeaks visit bird feeders in Nevada that offer sunflower seeds. To help them feel more protected, place your feeding station near shrubs and other brush. You’ll typically hear them singing before you see them.

Blue Grosbeaks Range Map

Blue Grosbeaks are very shy, especially around humans, which makes them challenging to observe. Interestingly, both males and females have a weird habit of twitching their tails sideways, although the reason for this behavior is unknown.

 

Blue Grosbeaks have also been known to “sidle,” where they walk sideways along branches, as seen in parrots.

 

Listen below as the male Blue Grosbeak sings a musical warble that lasts for 2 or 3 seconds.

 

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#3. Black-headed Grosbeak

• Pheucticus melanocephalus

Identifying Characteristics:

• Both sexes have large heads, thick beaks, short and thick necks, and a short tail that gives them a compact, chunky look.
• Males are an orange-cinnamon color with a black head and black and white wings.
• Females and immature males feature grayish bills, and their underwing flashes bright yellow when flying.

 

Black-headed Grosbeaks like to hide in thick foliage and are known to hop around while searching for food. Their giant beaks are perfectly adapted for cracking seeds, but they also use them to crush hard-bodied invertebrates like snails!

Black-headed Grosbeak Range Map

Like other grosbeaks in Nevada, you can attract Black-headed Grosbeaks by providing sunflower seeds. But interestingly, this species has a sweet tooth and is also known to visit nectar feeders! They will nest in your backyard and garden if there’s enough cover and water nearby.

 

Both male and female Black-headed Grosbeaks sing although females sing less, and it’s not as loud. Listen for a rich song with high-pitched notes from treetops.

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Which of these grosbeaks have you seen before in Nevada?

 

Leave a comment below!

 

The range maps above were generously shared with permission from Birds of the World, published by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. I use their site OFTEN to learn new information about birds!

To learn more about other birds that live near you, check out these guides!

• The 34 MOST Common Birds Found in Nevada!

• Birds of Prey in Nevada! (19 COMMON Species) – Owls, hawks, eagles, etc.