rose breasted grosbeak
1. Bird Name: Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Scientific Name: Pheucticus ludovicianus.
2. Appearance: The Rose-breasted Grosbeak is a striking bird, easily distinguished by its vibrant coloration and unique markings. Males are predominantly black and white with a dramatic splash of rose-red on their breasts, which gives the species its common name. Their underparts are bright white while the upperparts, including the head, are black, save for large patches of white on their wings and rump. They have rather large beaks, conical in shape and pinkish-gray in color.
Females and juvenile males, however, have a more subdued palette, with streaked brown upperparts and striped undersides. They both exhibit the distinctive white eyebrows, though the female’s eyebrows are often buffy rather than plain white. Although lacking the signature rose-red breast, females do sport a touch of yellow under the wings.
3. Size: On average, the Rose-breasted Grosbeak measures about 18-22 centimeters (7-8.6 inches) in length. Its wingspan extends approximately 30-33 centimeters (12-13 inches). These birds weigh between 39 and 49 grams (1.4-1.7 ounces).
4. Habitat & Distribution: Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are found across a broad range in North and South America. Their breeding habitats extend from Canada and the northeastern and midwestern United States to the Appalachian Mountains. In winter, they migrate to Central and South America as far south as Peru and Venezuela. They typically prefer deciduous forests, woodland edges, and open woodlands.
5. Interesting Facts: Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are known for their sweet-sounding song, often described as a robin that’s taken singing lessons. Also, they migrate at night, flying at a speed of about 20-30 miles per hour. They hold cultural significance among certain native American tribes and are known as a symbol of protection.
6. Diet: These omnivorous birds primarily feed on seeds, berries, insects, and even occasionally small invertebrates, such as slugs or snails. They are quite agile and capable of catching insects mid-flight.
7. Behavior & Sounds: The sound of a Rose-breasted Grosbeak is as memorable as its appearance. Their songs are an enchanting melody of flute-like tones, while their calls are typically an abrupt ‘squeak’. Male Grosbeaks will sing both on the nest and while flying, a rarity among birds.
8. Conservation Status: According to the IUCN Red List, currently, the Rose-breasted Grosbeak is classified as a species of “Least Concern”. However, conservationists are monitoring them as recent surveys indicate a significant decline in some areas, possibly due to habitat loss.
9. Lifespan: Under ideal circumstances in the wild, the Rose-breasted Grosbeak can live up to 12 years. However, most grosbeaks live about 7-8 years.
10. Additional Notes: In Spanish, this bird is known as ‘Picogrueso pechirrosado’. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are appreciated by humans for their bright colors and pleasant song, often attracting birdwatchers in areas of their distribution. They play crucial roles in ecosystems, aiding in insect control and seed dispersal. They are also known to be quite patient with humans, often allowing birdwatchers to approach quite closely before flying away.
