Rose-Breasted Grosbeak

Fast Facts:

  • Common Name:
    Rose-Breasted Grosbeak
  • Scientific Name:
    Pheucticus ludovicanus
  • Diet: Omnivore
  • Size: 7-8.7 inches long
  • Weight: 1-2.3 ounces

Description:

Male rose-breasted grosbeaks during breeding season feature black heads, wings, backs, and tails. White patches speckle their wings and most of their underside is white, which makes their striking red breasts stand out even more. Females are more tannish gray overall, with darker tails and wings, a lighter tan-to-white belly, with a pale stripe on their heads.

Habitat and Migration

Rose-breasted grosbeaks like to hang out high among the treetops, particularly in deciduous woods and even orchards. They make their homes across much of Canada, as well as the northeastern United States. For the colder months, the rose-breasted grosbeaks migrate south into Mexico, often heading even further south into South America.

Social Behavior

Both male and female rose-breasted grosbeaks build their nests, many of which are often 20 feet off the ground. Nests are made from leaves, twigs, and even hair or fur. Common brood parasites, the brown-headed cowbirds, lay eggs in the nests of other birds. Rose-breasted grosbeaks are known to recognize these eggs quickly and remove them from their nests.

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