On May 7 we had a m black-headed grosbeak in a plum tree, frequently
dropping down to a tray-type feeder---stayed all afternoon, singing
frequently.
On May 19, we had what appears to be either an immature male or female
black-headed grosbeak, again sitting in plum and maple trees with
occassional visits to a wall-mounted multi-seed feeder. No singing or
call, though it stayed about 3 hours. Very prominent white eye stripes,
orangish-greenish cast to underbody. Stokes seems to indicate it is an
immature male; Audubon seems to indicate that females have strongly striped
faces as well as immature males.
So, first, is this a black-headed grosbeak--anything else similar? And,
secondly, how do we tell the difference between immature males and
females--any behavioral clues? And, how long will last year's immature
males have this juvenile coloration?
Thanks.
Nancie Howell Willey
Centralia, WA