enlarge + Pine Grosbeak, male © Michael H. Francis

Perching Birds

Pine Grosbeak  Pinicola enucleator

Family: Finches, Fringillidae

Audio: Martyn Stewart, © Naturesound.org

An estimated 89% of the species' North American population breeds within the Boreal Forest.

Description  8-10" (20-25 cm). A large plump finch. Stubby, strongly curved black bill. Male has dull rose-red body, with dark streaking on back, dark wings with 2 white wing bars, and dusky, notched tail. Juvenile male dull pinkish red on head and rump, with gray body. Females similar to first-year males in pattern, with dull mustard head and rump markings.

Habitat  Coniferous forests.

Nesting  2-5 pale blue-green, blotched eggs in a bulky nest of grasses, rootlets, and moss lined with hair; nest placed low in a coniferous tree, usually no more than about 10-12' (3-4 m) from the ground.

Voice  A 3-note whistle similar to that of Greater Yellowlegs.

Range  Breeds from Alaska east to Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, and south in western mountains to California and Arizona. Winters south to Dakotas and New York, occasionally farther. Also in Eurasia.

Discussion  Largest of the northern finches, the Pine Grosbeak is less common than the Pine Siskin or the redpolls. When these birds do appear their preference for the seeds and fruit of trees such as mountain ash and cedar makes them more conspicuous than their smaller relatives. They are very tame and slow moving, allowing close approach. During snowy winters these grosbeaks can be located in scattered open forests by the feeble calls that keep the flock together. They settle in a tree and feed, snapping off buds or seeking the pits in fruit, until sated or disturbed. When food is scarce, they may descend from mountains into woods at sea level.