Fun Facts about Pine Grosbeaks
- Pine Grosbeaks are part of the finch family. They are a larger, robin-sized bird, with bright colouring. Mature males have a rosy red head, underparts, and back. Females and immature males have a rusty crown, face and rump. Notice the two white wing bars on each bird.
- They are an irruptive species, following food sources throughout their habitat, typically spruce-fir forests.
- During the winter, these birds form small groups and forage together.
- Pine Grosbeak forage on buds, berries, and seeds, but happily visit backyard bird feeders throughout the winter.
- Females incubate blueish green eggs in a nest made of twigs, moss, and fur, for 13-15 days.
- Similar species include the White-winged Crossbill, which is much smaller, and the Evening Grosbeak.
- Pine Grosbeaks eat snow or drink water on a daily basis, and will happily munch on sunflower seeds and suet.
- A larger tube feeder, platform style feeder, or hopper feeder will accommodate Pine Grosbeaks.
- It is estimated that Pine Grosbeak populations have declined 70% since 1966.