evening grosbeak

1. Bird Name: The bird’s English name is Evening Grosbeak, while its Latin name is Coccothraustes vespertinus.

2. Appearance: The Evening Grosbeak is an attractive bird well-known for its striking colors. The male sports a vibrant plumage with a yellow forehead, golden body, complete with a dark brown cap, tail, and wings. Small white patches are present on its wings and tail, serving as striking contrasts against the dark hues. The beak is thick and pale, sturdy enough to crack open hard seeds. Females, on the other hand, are more subdued in coloration, mostly greyish-brown hues, with white and black markings on their wings, and a distinctive light line above their eyes.

3. Size: The Evening Grosbeak is a robust bird with an average length of around 19–22 cm (about 7.5–8.5 inches). With a wingspan of approximately 30-36 cm (12 – 14 inches), this bird is an impressive sight. The weight range typically falls between 56-86 grams (2 – 3 oz).

4. Habitat & Distribution: This bird species is primarily found across North America, particularly in dense coniferous forests. It also spans across parts of Mexico during winter migration. The Evening Grosbeak generally prefers mixed woodlands, gardens, and parks.

5. Interesting Facts: The Evening Grosbeak gets its name due to a misplaced belief that it sings only in the evenings. It has a unique migration pattern, noted for its unpredictability and variation each year. Interestingly, this species was confined to the western regions of North America until the 19th century; their eastward expansion and large population growth have stumped scientists.

6. Diet: The Evening Grosbeak’s diet primarily comprises seeds, fruits, and insects. They have a knack for sunflower seeds and are known to frequent bird feeders in the winter. During the summer, they feast on insect pests like spruce budworms, serving a crucial role in pest control.

7. Behavior & Sounds: Evening Grosbeaks are social birds, often found in large noisy flocks. They have a unique flight pattern, characterized by many rapid wing beats followed by a brief glide with folded wings. Their songs are a series of clear, short notes, while their calls have been described as harsh, ringing tones.

8. Conservation Status: According to the IUCN Red List, the Evening Grosbeak is currently classified as ‘Least Concern,’ however, sharp declines in their population have been reported in recent years which has led to increased conservation efforts.

9. Lifespan: The Evening Grosbeak typically lives up to 15 years in the wild. Their lifespan in captivity is slightly longer, often reaching up to 20 years due to more stable living conditions.

10. Additional Notes: Locally, the Evening Grosbeak is also known as “Gros-bec errant” in French and “Quebrantahuesos nocturno” in Spanish. Despite their large flocks, they rarely interact with humans unless at bird feeders during the winter. Their diet and feeding habits make them integral to the ecosystem as they aid in plant propagation and maintain the insect population.