Uploaded March 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Like its eastern relative, the Rose-breasted Grosbeak, this Bird of The Week’s “gros” (aka big) beak easily cracks large seeds and hard-bodied insect prey.
But Black-headed Grosbeaks also use their heavy, conical bills to secure more unorthodox food… What is different about this grosbeak’s diet? 🤔
The Black-headed Grosbeak is one of only a few species that can consume monarch butterflies! 🦋
☣️ Monarchs are poisonous to most birds due to the high levels of toxins in their milkweed diet, but Black-headed Grosbeaks have a genetic mutation that allows them to tolerate the toxicity! 🧬 Even so, these adventurous eaters take about a week off between bouts of feasting to allow their bodies to flush out the toxins.🍴
ABC is addressing threats to Black-headed Grosbeaks on several fronts, including our 🐱Cats Indoors program, which encourages pet owners to keep cats and birds safe, and our 🪟 Glass Collisions program, which offers low- to no-cost solutions you can use in your home and community. 🏡 Learn more at abcbirds.org/birds/black-headed-grosbeak.
Like its eastern relative, the Rose-breasted Grosbeak, this Bird of The Week’s “gros” (aka big) beak easily cracks large seeds and hard-bodied insect prey.
But Black-headed Grosbeaks also use their heavy, conical bills to secure more unorthodox food… What is different about this grosbeak’s diet? 🤔
The Black-headed Grosbeak is one of only a few species that can consume monarch butterflies! 🦋
☣️ Monarchs are poisonous to most birds due to the high levels of toxins in their milkweed diet, but Black-headed Grosbeaks have a genetic mutation that allows them to tolerate the toxicity! 🧬 Even so, these adventurous eaters take about a week off between bouts of feasting to allow their bodies to flush out the toxins.🍴
ABC is addressing threats to Black-headed Grosbeaks on several fronts, including our 🐱Cats Indoors program, which encourages pet owners to keep cats and birds safe, and our 🪟 Glass Collisions program, which offers low- to no-cost solutions you can use in your home and community. 🏡 Learn more at abcbirds.org/birds/black-headed-grosbeak.
