South · Central Flyway
Are There Black-headed Grosbeaks in Texas?
No — Black-headed Grosbeaks are not regularly found in Texas; any sighting there is a rare stray. Pheucticus melanocephalus · Cardinalidae
Is the Black-headed Grosbeak Found in Texas?
Black-headed Grosbeaks are not regularly found in Texas. eBird holds only 10,998 Texas 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 490 miles away), Colorado (about 660 miles away) and Arizona (about 760 miles away).
Often mistaken for Black-headed Grosbeaks in Texas: Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Baltimore Oriole, Orchard Oriole and Spotted Towhee — these occur regularly in Texas, so compare them carefully before concluding you saw a Black-headed Grosbeak.
Black-headed Grosbeak is a North American backyard bird.
In Texas, this species is classified as rare. It visits during the breeding season, typically spring through summer. The best months to observe this bird are May, June, July, August, September. Peak activity occurs in May, August.
Monthly Activity — Black-headed Grosbeak in Texas
Relative frequency of observations by month. Higher bars indicate peak periods for this species.
Identification
Best Time to See Black-headed Grosbeak in Texas
Other birds in Texas
Birds you might also encounter in Texas.
Black-headed Grosbeak in other states
Black-headed Grosbeak in Texas: Quick Facts
The Black-headed Grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus) is a rarely seen bird in Texas. It is classified as a summer breeder in the state, falling within the South region and the Central Flyway migration corridor.
The best months to spot this species in Texas are May, June, July, August, September. For birders in Houston and throughout Texas, 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 Texas using the related birds section.