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Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

Least Concern (IUCN Red List)Cardinals and Allies
Rose-breasted Grosbeak, photographed by USFWS Midwest Region from Midwest Region, United States

Photo: USFWS Midwest Region from Midwest Region, United States · Wikimedia · Public Domain (licence)

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Call and song

About the Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Breeding adult males are striking black and white with bright red triangle on breast. Nonbreeding males, females, and immatures are streaky below with a bold head pattern. Always look for the very thick, pale pinkish bill. Fairly common and widespread in eastern North America, especially in deciduous forests. Winters to northern South America. Visits feeders. Listen for sweet robinlike song and squeaky call. Females are sometimes confused with Purple Finch but note much larger overall size, large pinkish bill, and bolder white markings on wings. Also compare females and immature males with extremely similar Black-headed Grosbeak, which is usually identifiable by range. Rose-breasted usually has more extensive, coarser streaking on underparts and usually lacks orange tones.

Species account: eBird.org, fetched 2025-12-26 · How these pages are made

Where it has been recorded

Recorded in 42 of the 253 countries we have eBird lists for. Each opens that country's checklist.

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