Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Least ConcernPheucticus ludovicianus
Visual Identification
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Appearance
The Rose-breasted Grosbeak is a striking medium-sized finch with a thick, powerful bill. Breeding males display black head, wings, and back, contrasting sharply with white underparts and a distinctive rose-red triangular breast patch. Their wings feature prominent white patches. During winter, males take on a more female-like appearance.
Females have brown streaked plumage above, with distinctive pale stripes on the head and wing bars. Their underparts are pale, with dark streaking on the breast and flanks. Both males and females have pale bills, though breeding males develop white bills.
Size
Length
18cm to 22cm
Wingspan
29cm to 33cm
Weight
39g to 49g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks inhabit deciduous and mixed forests across eastern and central North America during the breeding season. They prefer forest edges, second-growth woodlands, and mature trees in parks and gardens.
These long-distance migrants winter in Central America, northern South America, and the Caribbean. In the United States, they are common in the eastern states during spring and summer, making them a favorite among North American birdwatchers.
Elevation Range
Up to 3,800 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks have a varied diet that includes insects, seeds, and fruits. They use their powerful beaks to crack open seeds and catch insects.
During the breeding season, they consume more insects, particularly beetles, to provide protein for their growing young. In winter, they rely more heavily on seeds and berries.
Behaviour
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are known for their melodious singing, often delivered from high perches in trees. They forage deliberately, moving methodically through branches to find food.
During the breeding season, males engage in aerial displays, flying with slow wingbeats to showcase their striking plumage to potential mates.
Vocalisation
The Rose-breasted Grosbeak's song is often described as a melodious warble, similar to a robin's song but with added sweetness. It's typically rendered as "cheery, cheery, cheery, cheer-up!"
Their call is a sharp, metallic "chink" or "peek," often given in flight or when alarmed.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Rose-breasted Grosbeaks typically begins in May. Males court females with songs and displays, often bringing them nesting material as part of the pair-bonding process.
Nests are loosely constructed of twigs, rootlets, and plant fibers, and are usually placed on horizontal branches of trees or large shrubs. Females lay 3-5 pale blue or green eggs with brown speckles.
Both parents share incubation duties for about 13 days. After hatching, nestlings are fed by both parents and fledge after approximately 9-12 days, though they remain dependent on their parents for several more weeks.
Lifespan
The Rose-breasted Grosbeak typically lives for 7 to 12 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 24 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks face threats from habitat loss due to deforestation in both breeding and wintering grounds. Climate change may also impact their migration patterns and breeding success.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving forest habitats and monitoring population trends.
Birdwatching Tips
- Listen for their robin-like song with added warbles
- Look for them in deciduous and mixed forests, especially near edges
- Check bird feeders, as they readily visit for sunflower seeds
- Observe treetops during spring migration for males' distinctive coloration
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Cut-throat
Family:
CardinalidaePredators
Main predators include hawks, owls, and domestic cats. Squirrels and Blue Jays may prey on eggs and nestlings.
Did You Know?
- Male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks have been observed incubating eggs and brooding young, unusual among songbirds.
- Their strong bills can exert a force equivalent to 30-40 times their body weight.
- These birds play a role in controlling insect populations, including forest pests like spruce budworms.
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References
- 3
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Pheucticus ludovicianus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22723813A132168899.
View source - 2 5
report, 2007: Data from Breeding Bird Survey and/or Christmas Bird Count: Butcher and Niven
- 4
website, 2020: Partners in Flight
View source - 1
website: (Wild Bird) Historical Longevity Records of North American Birds
View source