Midwest · Mississippi Flyway
Are There Black-headed Grosbeaks in Illinois?
No — Black-headed Grosbeaks are not regularly found in Illinois; any sighting there is a rare stray. Pheucticus melanocephalus · Cardinalidae
Is the Black-headed Grosbeak Found in Illinois?
Black-headed Grosbeaks are not regularly found in Illinois. eBird holds only 92 Illinois 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 South Dakota (about 640 miles away), North Dakota (about 760 miles away) and Colorado (about 870 miles away).
Often mistaken for Black-headed Grosbeaks in Illinois: Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Baltimore Oriole, Orchard Oriole and Eastern Towhee — these occur regularly in Illinois, so compare them carefully before concluding you saw a Black-headed Grosbeak.
Black-headed Grosbeak is a North American backyard bird.
In Illinois, this species is classified as rare. It passes through Illinois during migration. The best months to observe this bird are July, October. Peak activity occurs in October.
Monthly Activity — Black-headed Grosbeak in Illinois
Relative frequency of observations by month. Higher bars indicate peak periods for this species.
Identification
Best Time to See Black-headed Grosbeak in Illinois
Other birds in Illinois
Birds you might also encounter in Illinois.
Black-headed Grosbeak in other states
Black-headed Grosbeak in Illinois: Quick Facts
The Black-headed Grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus) is a rarely seen bird in Illinois. It is classified as a migrant / transient in the state, falling within the Midwest region and the Mississippi Flyway migration corridor.
The best months to spot this species in Illinois are July, October. For birders in Chicago and throughout Illinois, 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 Illinois using the related birds section.