Males in most plumages unmistakable. Plumage of females and first-fall males is very similar to plumage of female black-headed grosbeak. Call: a sharp eek, squeakier than the black-headed’s.

Learn about the types of grosbeaks backyard birders should know. The female is the same size as her mate and has appealing plumage, too, with a yellow head and rump, and white-banded wings.

The handsome black-headed grosbeak is the western counterpart to ... First-winter male: like female, but underparts more cinnamon without streaking, and underside of tail gray.