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.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs from Venezuela south through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia into northwestern Argentina, with outlying populations in western Brazil and Paraguay. It favors Andean and foothill habitats including humid montane forest edges, Yungas, secondary growth, and shrubby clearings. Frequently visits gardens, orchards, and agricultural mosaics, especially where fruiting trees are present. Often found in pairs or small groups along forest borders and along roadsides.
Altitude Range
600–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
A striking Andean grosbeak with a melodious, whistled song, it is often heard before it is seen. Its powerful, conical bill easily cracks hard seeds and kernels. Though sometimes kept as a cagebird in parts of South America, it remains a wild species and is best appreciated in its natural habitat.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs during the breeding season; small loose groups may form around abundant food sources outside breeding. Builds a cup nest in shrubs or small trees. Both parents participate in feeding the young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Rich, fluted whistles delivered in varied phrases, reminiscent of other Pheucticus grosbeaks. Calls include sharp pik or chink notes used for contact and alarm.
Plumage
Male with glossy black head and upperparts contrasting with bright yellow underparts and bold white wing patches; female duller with olive-brown upperparts, yellowish underparts with dusky streaking, and reduced wing contrast.
Diet
Eats a mix of seeds, fruits, flower buds, and insects. Uses its strong bill to crack hard seeds and husk kernels. Frequently takes berries and soft fruits, and supplements with beetles and caterpillars, especially when feeding young.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the midstory and canopy of forest edges, second growth, and fruiting trees in gardens and orchards. Also visits roadside vegetation and mixed agroforestry plots.
