Bird Guide

Black-backed Grosbeak vs Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Black-backed Grosbeak (Pheucticus aureoventris)

Black-backed Grosbeak

Pheucticus aureoventris

Small49 gForest

The black-backed grosbeak is approximately 22 cm (8.7 in) long and weighs 43.8 to 66.2 grams (1.54 to 2.34 oz). All of the subspecies except P. a. crissalis are very similar. The males' upperparts are black with a yellow shoulder patch; the closed wings show white patches. The chin, throat, and upper breast are also black. The lower breast and belly are bright yellow with a variable amount of black flecking on the sides and flanks. The female is similar but browner and has yellow mottling on the upperside and dusky speckles on the underside. P. a. Voice: The black-backed grosbeak's song is "a rich, melodious series of whistled notes". Its call is "a sharp 'keck'".

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the Black-backed Grosbeak
Recorded by Niels Krabbe · Song · Chimborazo: Nabuzo, Ecuador · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Rosario Douglas · CC BY 4.0
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus)

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

Small42 gForest

Adult birds are 18–22 cm (7.1–8.7 in) long, span 29–33 cm (11–13 in) across the wings and weigh 35–65 g (1.2–2.3 oz). Grosbeaks measured during migration in the West Indies averaged 43 g (1.5 oz), while those banded in Pennsylvania average about 45 g (1.6 oz). Very little sexual dimorphism in size is seen; females were found to be marginally smaller in standard measurements, but in some seasons were marginally heavier than males when banded in Pennsylvania. At all ages and in both sexes, the beak is dusky horn-colored, and the feet and eyes are dark.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Recorded by Jonathon Jongsma · Call · Wild River State Park, Chisago County, Minnesota, United States · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: USFWS Midwest Region from Midwest Region, United States · Public domain

Where you might meet both

Learn this pair in the BeakBrain App

Photo and call practice. Coming soon to iPhone and Android.

Play today's Daily Bird

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Black-backed Grosbeak and Rose-breasted Grosbeak.