About the Rose-breasted Grosbeak
The rose-breasted grosbeak, colloquially called "cut-throat" due to its coloration, is a large, seed-eating grosbeak in the cardinal family (Cardinalidae). It is primarily a foliage gleaner. Males have black heads, wings, backs, and tails, and a bright rose colored patch on their white breast. Males and females exhibit marked sexual dimorphism.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
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.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Rose-breasted Grosbeak sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Norway, Sweden, France, Barbados, French Guiana, Martinique, Peru, St. Barthélemy, St. Lucia.
When to see it
Peak activity in May · a summer visitor species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Black-headed GrosbeakPheucticus melanocephalusMeasurements:
Length: 7.1–7.5 in (18–19 cm)
Weight: 1.2–1.7 oz (34–48 g)
Wingspan: 12.6 inches (32 cm)
The black-headed grosbeak is similar in size to a common starling.
Golden GrosbeakPheucticus chrysogasterThe body averages 21 cm (8.3 in) in length.
Black-backed GrosbeakPheucticus aureoventrisThe 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).
Side by side: Black-headed Grosbeak vs Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Learn the Rose-breasted Grosbeak for real
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