Rose-breasted Grosbeak

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Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus

Description:

Size: 7 to 8 inches (18-21 cm)
Wingspan: 11 to 13 inches (29-33 cm)
Weight: 1.38 to 1.73 ounces am (30-49 g)

This is a medium sized songbird. It has a large, thick and pale conical bill.

Diet:

Eats seeds, fruit, insects and tree buds. Can be attracted to bird feeders with black oil sunflower seeds .

Sex Differences:

The male is easily recognizable with its striking colors of black, white and rose. The rose colored patch on the breast is in the shape of an apron. In flight the wings show patches of white. The female is very plain and drab in color. She has a large, pale bill, white eyebrows and heavy brown streaking on a whitish breast.

Nesting:

These beautiful birds will build their nest on a tree branch 5 to 15 feet above the ground. The nest will be constructed from coarse and fine twigs, and lined with hair, rootlets and grass. The clutch will normally consist of 3 to 5 eggs and incubation takes 12 to 14 days.

Range:

A Few Things You Probably Didn't Know:

Since the Rose-breasted Grosbeak uses twigs to construct its nest, sometimes you can see the eggs from beneath the nest.
The male will sit on the nest about 1/3 of the incubation time.
Their song sounds similar to that of the American Robin except more musical.

Click here to learn how to attract the Rose-breasted Grosbeak and other species of wild birds.

Click here for information on other backyard birds.

Please tell us about the Rose Breasted Gossbeaks visiting your feeders.

Rose Breasted Gossbeaks are one of the most beautiful birds to visit our backyard feeders. Unfortunately not everyone gets to see them. If you are fortunate enough to see them in your yard please tell us about them.

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What Other Visitors Have Said

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iris
The rose breasted grossbeaks usually arrive about the same time as the orioles in early May. They also will feed from the oriole feeders. I put out half ...