Rose-breasted Grosbeaks

Recently a pair of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks arrived at the feeders in my parents' yard. These birds are large finches with rather large, triangular and cone-like bills. In the first photo you can easily see these features in the male's bill as well as his stunningly beautiful rose red breast. In addition to the rose-colored breast, he also has rose red wing linings that show while he is in flight. Just as much as the male is brilliantly colored and easily visible, the female is the opposite as she tends to feed on the ground and blends in with her surroundings. The second photo demonstrates my point as she is eating sunflower seeds that have fallen from the feeders above. If you did not notice her at first glance, look again! The markings on her head and overall streaked plumes help to identify the female.


Male Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Female Rose-breasted Grosbeak with identifiable markings on her head