flocks. Breeding Little information about the black-backed grosbeak's breeding phenology has been published. Evidence or proof of breeding such as adults with enlarged gonads, nests with eggs, and a fledged chick have been noted between November and January. Nests are an open cup made of vine stalks and lined with fine fibers placed up to high in a shrub. The plush-crested jay (Cyanocorax chrysops) is a frequent predator at the nest. Vocalization The black-backed grosbeak's song is "a rich, melodious series of whistled notes" . Its call is "a sharp 'keck'" . Status The IUCN has assessed the black-backed grosbeak as being of Least Concern. It varies from uncommon to common across its range, but is trapped for the cagebird trade. References black-backed grosbeak Birds of the Northern Andes Birds of Argentina black-backed grosbeak