Male rose-breasted grosbeaks show up east of the Rockies in spring, dressed to the nines in black and white with a red ascot-like marking on their chests. Females sport a more subtle look, with long white stripes above their eyes on a heavily streaked brown body with yellowish underwings. As different as they are, both share one easily recognizable feature: thick conical bills.
On a High Note
Upon arriving around May from their wintering grounds in Mexico, Central America, and northern South America, these songbirds kick off courtship. The males’ melodies are designed to attract mates, claim territory and warn off competitors. Their whistles have been compared to an American robin's, only more musical, and males are known to sing more than 650 times per day. The male's courtship dance can consist of the head tipped back and tail spread out and held upright while the bird flashes its rose-colored underwings.
This story is from the April/May 2022 edition of Birds & Blooms.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April/May 2022 edition of Birds & Blooms.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Clever Cowbirds
Learn more about these birds that are infamous for letting others raise their young
Ask the Experts
Pros offer spring plant care tips and tough IDs
Rustic diy Birdhouse
Whether you're hardcore handy or an everyonce-in-a-while crafty person, you probably have a small pile of scrap wood handy. Grab your tools and turn your extra materials into any house wren's dream nest box.
THE LATEST IN Lilacs
Learn about updated varieties of this timeless classic and how to take care of them
Meet the ORIOLES
GET TO KNOW eight TYPES SEEN THROUGHOUT THE U.S. AND WHAT MAKES EACH ONE STAND OUT
CBD FOR YOUR PAIN
Everyone feels the hurt as you age, but CBD can help you deal with it
Welcome, New Blooms
Update your yard with 2024's freshest florals
Western Blues
Beckon these regional bluebirds to your yard with nest boxes and mealworms
Incredible Eggs
Fun facts about these tough yet fragile wonders
Life Well Lived
Surprising facts about bird life spans