The Black-headed Grosbeak is a common transient and summer resident. It is widespread as a breeder in suitable
habitat, mostly west of the Sierra Nevada crest and may be found in riparian
and oak woodlands as well as open coniferous forests (Small, 1994).
The nest site is typically in a deciduous tree or shrub 3 – 25 feet above the ground. The nest is an open cup made of twigs, weeds rootlets and pine needles,
lined with finer plant materials (Kaufmann, 1996). Breeding was probable in one atlas block during the atlas
period. There is a historical record of
breeding in block 4575, most likely before the area
was developed.
Figure
134. Black-headed Grosbeak Breeding Status
The Lazuli Bunting is a locally fairly common transient and summer visitor. It breeds unevenly and locally in proper
habitat throughout the state, principally west of the Sierra Nevada (Small,
1994). On the Pacific coast, the Lazuli Bunting may be found in clumps of bushes, chaparral, weed thickets and other low vegetation (Grinnell and Miller, 1944).
The nest site of the Lazuli Bunting is in shrubs, vines or low trees, typically 2 – 4 feet above the ground. The nest is an open cup of grass, weeds, and
leaves, lined with fine grass or even animal hair (Kaufmann, 1996). Breeding
was confirmed in a single atlas block on the mainland.
Figure
135. Lazuli Bunting
Breeding Status