The Black-headed Grosbeak's length is between 6-1/2 to 7-3/4 inches. The male has a very striking black head, black wings and noticeable white patches on the tail. It displays a dark to bright orange colored chest and yellow belly. The female has a light brown head, neck and back with black streaks. She has distinct white markings down the center of her head, above her eyes and cheeks. She displays a white breast with her wings and tail that are light to mottle brown. The wings have two distinct white wing bars and light yellow edges on the wings.