Overview

Rose-breasted Grosbeak: Large finch, black head, back, bright red breast, and white rump, sides, belly. The wings are black with white patches above and red, white, black below. Long, slightly notched black tail with white patches. Eats seeds, caterpillars, insects, tree flowers, fruits and berries.

Range and Habitat

Rose-breasted Grosbeak: Breeds from northeastern British Columbia, southern Manitoba, and Nova Scotia south to southern Alberta, central North Dakota, central Oklahoma, and New Jersey, and in the mountains as far south as northern Georgia; also a regular visitor on the west coast and winters from central Mexico through Central America and into northern South America. Preferred habitats include moist woodlands adjacent to open fields with tall shrubs and old, overgrown orchards.

Breeding and Nesting

Rose-breasted Grosbeak: Three to five light green or blue eggs with red brown markings are laid in a loosely made nest of twigs, grass, and plant fibers, and set in a low tree branch. Incubation ranges from 13 to 14 days and is carried out by both parents.

Foraging and Feeding

Rose-breasted Grosbeak: Diet consists of fruits, seeds, and insects. Forages on the ground; also hovers when gleaning from foliage.

Readily Eats

Safflower, Apple Slices, Suet, Millet, Peanut Kernels, Fruit

Vocalization

Rose-breasted Grosbeak: Call is a sharp, penetrating, and metallic "eek-eek."

Similar Species

Rose-breasted Grosbeak: Female Black-headed Grosbeak has a buff breast and streaks confined to the sides.