Pine Grosbeak
(Genus, species: Pinicola enucleator)
Pine grosbeaks are the largest of the northern
finches. They seem quite tame and do not immediately take flight
when startled which can make them a fun bird to search for while bird
watching.
They are especially beautiful in the winter time when
the bright red coloring of the males is nicely offset by the white
snow. They also gather together in large flocks which again, make
them fun to watch.
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Used with permission. ©
Robert
McDonald
Thanks to Robert for allowing us to use this picture.
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Winter Locations
Thanks to the U. S. Geological Survey for this image |
General:
Pine Grosbeaks can be found in Canada and the Northern States of the
U.S. year round. Unlike most birds, they are most commonly seen
during the winter months when their bright foliage stands out well in
the tops of pine and spruce trees.
They can also be found in the northern forests of Europe
and Russia.
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| Description - male:
The pine grosbeak is a stocky bird about the size of an American
Robin (8-10" (20-25 cm)). The male has a red head, underparts
and back with black wings with white bars and a black slightly forked
tail. The bill, legs and feet are also a dark color. |
Used with permission. © Robert
McDonald
Thanks to Robert for allowing us to use this picture.
|
Description - female:
Female pine grosbeaks are not as bright as the males. They have no
red coloring. Their bodies are grey and their heads and necks are an
orange or rust color. The wings and tail are dark brown with white
wing bars.
Description - young:
immature grosbeaks have similar coloring to females. Males become
pinkish as they mature growing into their ruby red coloring over time. |
Used with permission. © Robert
McDonald
Thanks to Robert for allowing us to use this picture.
|
| Feeding:
Grosbeaks feed on buds, fruits, berries and seeds. They mainly
forage in the trees, though they will sometimes pick fallen seeds and
berries from the ground. During the summer, about 15% of their diet
is made up of insects. They also visit bird feeders during the
winter. |
| Habitat: coniferous
forests (spruce, pine, fir) and the forested edges of open fields,
meadows, ponds, streams and marshes. |
Used with permission. © Robert
McDonald
Thanks to Robert for allowing us to use this picture.
|
| Nesting:
Nests are built in a conifer tree or tall shrub. The nest is made of
twigs, moss, grass, lichens and fur and is a bulky cup shape.
The female typically typically lays a clutch
of 2-5 (typically 4) pale blue-green blotched eggs each year and
spends 13 to 15 days incubating the eggs.
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Worksheets and Other Activities:
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