Find black-headed grosbeaks in Orange County

Black-headed grosbeaks clean up sunflower seeds under a feeder in Mission Viejo.  Photo by J.J. Meyer

These flashy well-dressed birds have thick, conical beaks that can easily crack through sunflower seeds and cracked corn.  They frequent backyard feeders.  Breeding males have a rich orange-cinnamon chest with a black head and black-and-white wings.  Females and immature males are not as bright with dull orange or buff breasts.  Black-headed grosbeaks migrate from Mexico north along the West Coast in the spring to breed.  Cornell University's eBird site lists many hotspots for finding them throughout Orange County including Laguna Niguel Regional Park, Casper's Wilderness Park, Peter's Canyon and Huntington Central Park.
Happy Birding!
J.J.