Behavior

Hooded Grosbeaks usually are found in pairs or small flocks (Clement 1993, Howell and Webb 1995), although nonbreeding flocks of over 50 individuals have been reported (Howell and Webb 1995). Sutton and Pettingill (1942) recorded a flock of 30 individuals flying while a single male was perched nearby, possibly acting as a sentry. They usually forage unobstrusively in upper and canopy levels of trees (Howell and Webb 1995) but also forage on the ground.

The flight of Hooded Grosbeak is high, generally in the upper canopy or above the treetops. They often perch on the tops of dead trees, or moving restlessly between branches (Paynter 1952). Hooded Grosbeaks are easily alarmed (Paynter 1952). Small numbers are reported to wander to lower foothills and valleys in the nonbreeding season (Clement 2010).

There is very little information on territorial defense, maintenance, or fidelity, or for territory or home range size for Hooded Grosbeak.

Information on sexual behavior for the species is scarce. Komar (2002a) observed a nest building event in which a female was constantly accompanied by a male, suggesting that this species is monogamous.

Hooded Grosbeaks are often found in single species flocks in the winter. Gram (1998) reported one instance when Hooded Grosbeak joined a winter mixed-species feeding flock of migrant and resident birds in El Cielo Biosphere Reserve, Tamaulipas, Mexico.

No reports of predation on Hooded Grosbeak?