South · Atlantic Flyway
Are There Black-headed Grosbeaks in Florida?
No — Black-headed Grosbeaks are not regularly found in Florida; any sighting there is a rare stray. Pheucticus melanocephalus · Cardinalidae
Is the Black-headed Grosbeak Found in Florida?
Black-headed Grosbeaks are not regularly found in Florida. eBird holds only 99 Florida records of this species for 2020–2024, a tiny fraction of the state's checklists — the pattern of occasional strays, not a local population. If you think you saw one, check the look-alikes below first, then report it to eBird with a photo.
Where to see them instead: the nearest states where Black-headed Grosbeaks occur regularly are New Mexico (about 1,440 miles away), South Dakota (about 1,470 miles away) and Colorado (about 1,500 miles away).
Often mistaken for Black-headed Grosbeaks in Florida: Baltimore Oriole, Eastern Towhee, Northern Cardinal and Indigo Bunting — these occur regularly in Florida, so compare them carefully before concluding you saw a Black-headed Grosbeak.
Black-headed Grosbeak is a North American backyard bird.
In Florida, this species is classified as rare. It passes through Florida during migration. The best months to observe this bird are February, March, December. Peak activity occurs in February.
Monthly Activity — Black-headed Grosbeak in Florida
Relative frequency of observations by month. Higher bars indicate peak periods for this species.
Identification
Best Time to See Black-headed Grosbeak in Florida
Other birds in Florida
Birds you might also encounter in Florida.
Black-headed Grosbeak in other states
Black-headed Grosbeak in Florida: Quick Facts
The Black-headed Grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus) is a rarely seen bird in Florida. It is classified as a migrant / transient in the state, falling within the South region and the Atlantic Flyway migration corridor.
The best months to spot this species in Florida are February, March, December. For birders in Miami and throughout Florida, knowing the seasonal patterns of Black-headed Grosbeak can help plan birding trips and backyard feeding strategies.
Use the monthly activity chart above to plan your birding outings, and explore other bird species found in Florida using the related birds section.