grosbeak
1. Bird Name
Common English name: Grosbeak
Scientific (Latin) name: Pheucticus
2. Appearance
The Grosbeak, part of the Cardinal family, is an elegantly colored bird, exhibiting striking differences between the sexes. Males are adorned in a vibrant coloration, with black wings and tail contrasted against a rose-red breast, while contrastingly, females bear a warm, mandarin orange tinge mingled with grey-brown feathers. Both sexes sport a thick, powerful bill, a notable suburban bird trait, which is as its name suggests- ‘large beak’. The bill is usually silver-gray in both sexes. The eyes are prominent, framed inside, and bordered by an unmarked buff white stripe.
3. Size
Average length is around 7.5-8.5 inches (19 – 21cm). The wingspan of grosbeaks is usually about 12.6 inches (32 cm). The weight is typically between 38-49 grams.
4. Habitat & Distribution
Grosbeaks are often found in the Americas, specifically North America, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. They prefer a variety of habitats including mixed woodlands, gardens, orchards, and suburban locales. They are well adapted for cold regions and are found nesting in coniferous or mixed forest areas.
5. Interesting Facts
Grosbeaks use their strong ‘crushing’ bills to crack the tough shells of seeds and pits of fruit. They do not migrate long distances but do migrate elevationally, moving up and down in altitude with the changing seasons. They are appreciated by cultures as a symbol of joy and abundance.
6. Diet
Grosbeaks are omnivorous netting it a diverse diet. Their primary diet consists of seeds, insects, and fruits. They can also consume nuts, berries, and occasionally small invertebrates.
7. Behavior & Sounds
Grosbeaks are known to be shy, yet they have a distinct, rich warble. Male Grosbeak’s song is a series of soft, melodic notes that can be quick and sharp. They use an intricate strategy while feeding, using their robust bills to crush the food items.
8. Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, the grosbeak species, as a whole, are classified as of ‘Least Concern’ due to their widespread habitat and secured populations. However, individual species, such as the Pine Grosbeak or the Blue Grosbeak, can vary in their conservation status.
9. Lifespan
In the wild, the Grosbeak bird typically lives for around 7-8 years. Lifespan in captivity is not well studied but is likely to be slightly longer given ideal conditions.
10. Additional Notes
In Spanish, they are called “picogrueso”, translating directly to “thick peak”, signifying their prominent feature.
The Grosbeak bird, being a seed spreader, plays a pivotal role in maintaining the ecosystem. They interact amicably with humans and are a joy to observe, being favored for bird watching and feeding in yards and gardens.
