Black-backed Grosbeak
Pheucticus aureoventris
The Black-backed Grosbeak (Pheucticus aureoventris) is a uncommon cardinal found in 10 countries, weighing about 49 g. The black-backed grosbeak is a bird in the family Cardinalidae, the cardinals or cardinal grosbeaks.
About the Black-backed Grosbeak
The black-backed grosbeak is a bird in the family Cardinalidae, the cardinals or cardinal grosbeaks. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, and Venezuela. They are often kept as cagebirds.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The black-backed grosbeak is approximately 22 cm (8.7 in) long and weighs 43.8 to 66.2 grams (1.54 to 2.34 oz). All of the subspecies except P. a. crissalis are very similar. The males' upperparts are black with a yellow shoulder patch; the closed wings show white patches. The chin, throat, and upper breast are also black. The lower breast and belly are bright yellow with a variable amount of black flecking on the sides and flanks. The female is similar but browner and has yellow mottling on the upperside and dusky speckles on the underside. P. a. Voice: The black-backed grosbeak's song is "a rich, melodious series of whistled notes". Its call is "a sharp 'keck'".
What the Black-backed Grosbeak sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in United States, Chile.
When to see it
The Black-backed Grosbeak can be seen all year round, with peak activity in October. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Black-backed Grosbeak?
- The black-backed grosbeak is approximately 22 cm (8.7 in) long and weighs 43.8 to 66.2 grams (1.54 to 2.34 oz). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Black-backed Grosbeak?
- The Black-backed Grosbeak is a small sized bird weighing about 49 g.
- Where can you see a Black-backed Grosbeak?
- The Black-backed Grosbeak occurs in 10 countries, including Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Bolivia and Ecuador.
- What does a Black-backed Grosbeak sound like?
- You can listen to a field recording of the Black-backed Grosbeak on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
- What birds look similar to a Black-backed Grosbeak?
- The Black-backed Grosbeak is most easily confused with the Yellow Grosbeak, the Black-thighed Grosbeak and the Golden Grosbeak.
- Is the Black-backed Grosbeak endangered?
- The Black-backed Grosbeak is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Black-backed Grosbeak for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
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