General

Rose-breasted Grosbeak: Large finch with black head and back, bright red breast, and white rump, sides, and belly. Wings are black with white patches above and red, white, and black below. Tail is long, slightly notched, and black with white patches. Female has brown streaked upperparts, buff streaked underparts and yellow wing linings.

Range and Habitat

Rose-breasted Grosbeak: Breeds from northeastern British Columbia, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia to southern Alberta, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and New Jersey, and as far south as northern Georgia; regular visitor on the west coast and winters from central into northern South America. Preferred habitats include moist woodlands, open fields 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: Male is unique, female Black-headed Grosbeak has a buff breast and streaks confined to the sides.