Evening Grosbeaks

© Dave Spier

Natural food shortages (of the bird kind) are encouraging Canadian finches to head south for the winter. One of the most colorful is the Evening Grosbeak (Coccothraustes vespertinus), somewhat resembling a giant goldfinch, which is not too far off, since they are related. Goldfinches are five inches long (slightly shorter than a chickadee), whereas these grosbeaks are eight inches.

The male Evening Grosbeak [photo above] is very noticeable with white patches contrasting against otherwise black wings and short, black tail. His body is burnt-gold (yellow) grading to a dark-brown head with yellow forehead and wavy line above the eye. Females [below right] are subdued, with mostly gray on the body and head. The only yellow is confined to her neck. Both sexes have massive, pale-colored bills.

Grosbeaks eat mainly seeds, nuts, berries and buds, and they readily come to feeders (if they're around). We had eight Evening Grosbeaks for several days right after Hurricane Sandy and then they vanished in their nomadic fashion. Three returned briefly and a week later, there were four down the road. Unpredictable is a good way to describe this bird.

As always, you can find photos, range map and voice recordings on the All About Birds website. In addition, find current range information on the eBird Range-and-Point-Maps under Explore Data. Use the search boxes to see a range map for this (or any) species you type and then zoom in to your location. You can narrow the date span with the "Custom Date Range" tool or look for any possible sightings in your area by using the Location tool. Write to me for specific information and links. I also encourage you to submit your own sightings. This is how I keep track of their wanderings in my neighborhood, and the information benefits science.

Corrections, comments and questions are always welcome at northeastnaturalist@yahoo.com or connect on Facebook (Dave Spier, or my photographic naturalist page, plus The Northeast Naturalist).

There's more information from the ABA regarding Evening Grosbeaks and the connection to spruce budworm in their breeding range [mainly the Canadian boreal forest].