Another Grosbeak

Ironically, this Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) that visited my feeders regularly a few weeks ago is NOT closely related to the Blue Grosbeak I have already featured. These guys breed mostly in northern North America and spend the winters in central and northern South America. They are occasionally seen in Europe. Interestingly, these birds migrate at night in small flocks or alone. Unlike many of the more common birds, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks have no sub-species. Females will lay one egg per day until clutch size is reached (average 4 eggs). Both males and females incubate the eggs and take turns feeding crushed insects to the chicks. These birds have been reported to live up to 13 years in the wild and 24 in captivity. Populations are stable.