Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Adult males (visible in image) have a black head and back, white underparts, and a brilliant V-shaped rose-red patch on the chest. Females and juveniles are brownish and heavily streaked, resembling large sparrows with a bold white eyebrow.

Large pale bill, black head/back, white belly, and the iconic rose-red triangular breast patch on the male.

Length: 7-8 in (18-21 cm); Wingspan: 11-13 in (29-33 cm); Weight: 1.4-1.7 oz (39-49 g).

A rich, melodious warbling song similar to an American Robin but more refined and 'sweeter.' The call is a sharp, metallic 'ink' or 'peek.'

Omnivorous; feeds on insects, seeds, berries, and buds. They often glean insects from foliage high in the canopy.

Deciduous and mixed woodlands, forest edges, and suburban areas with mature trees.

Long-distance migrant; travels between North American breeding grounds and tropical wintering grounds in Central and South America.

Builds a flimsy, cup-shaped nest in trees or shrubs. Usually lays 3-5 eggs. Both the male and female share incubation duties.

Black-headed Grosbeak (western counterpart, orange breast), Painted Bunting (much smaller, different color pattern).

Acts as both a seed disperser and a natural pest controller, consuming significant amounts of beetles, caterpillars, and other insects during the breeding season.

Least Concern (IUCN); however, populations are experiencing a slow long-term decline due to habitat loss and fragmentation.

Look for them in deciduous forests or at backyard bird feeders where they are fond of black oil sunflower seeds during spring migration.

Unlike many birds where only the female sits on the nest, male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are known to sing while they are incubating eggs.