Evening Grosbeak

About

The Evening Grosbeak is a large, stocky finch known for its striking plumage, particularly in males, and its massive, conical bill. They are often found in coniferous and mixed forests across North America, frequently visiting bird feeders, especially during winter irruptions.

Size & lifespan

Length

18-22 cm (7.1-8.7 in)

Wingspan

30-36 cm (11.8-14.2 in)

Weight

50-70 g (1.8-2.5 oz)

Lifespan

Typically 3-7 years in the wild, with records up to 13 years.

Diet

Omnivore (primarily granivorous and insectivorous)

Physical characteristics

Plumage

Males are brightly colored with a bright yellow body, dark head with a prominent yellow eyebrow, and large white patches on the black wings. Females and juveniles are duller, mostly grayish-brown with yellowish tinges, especially on the flanks and nape, and smaller white wing patches.

Beak shape

Very large, conical, and pale yellowish-green to ivory-colored bill, particularly noticeable in males. The bill can appear darker in winter.

Eye color

Dark brown.

Leg color

Pinkish-brown to dark brown.

Distinguishing features

Massive, pale bill; short, notched tail; and distinctive white wing patches (more extensive in males).

Juvenile appearance

Similar to females but often with more streaking on the underparts and a duller overall appearance. The bill is initially smaller and darker.

Seasonal changes

Little to no significant seasonal plumage change, though bill color can vary slightly with season (paler in breeding season, sometimes darker in winter).

Sexual dimorphism

Pronounced. Males are much more brightly colored with vivid yellow and black, while females are predominantly grayish-brown with less extensive yellow and white markings.

How to identify

1. 1

   Size and Shape

   Look for a large, stocky finch with a short tail and a very large, conical bill.

2. 2

   Male Plumage

   Bright yellow body, black wings with large white patches, dark head with a yellow eyebrow. Unmistakable.

3. 3

   Female/Juvenile Plumage

   Grayish-brown overall with yellowish tinges, especially on the flanks and nape. Look for smaller but still noticeable white wing patches and the characteristic large, pale bill.

4. 4

   Bill

   The massive, pale yellowish-green to ivory bill is a key identifier for all ages and sexes.

5. 5

   Calls

   Listen for the sharp, metallic 'peck' or 'cleep' call, often given in flight or while feeding in flocks.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Coniferous forests, mixed forests, deciduous forests, suburban areas with mature trees.

Geographic range

North America, from central Canada south through the western mountains of the United States and into Mexico. Irruptive movements can bring them further east and south during winter.

Elevation range

Sea level to over 3,000 meters (10,000 feet), typically breeding at higher elevations in the western mountains.

Preferred environments

Mature forests, especially those with spruce, fir, pine, and aspen. They are also attracted to orchards, parks, and backyard feeders, particularly during non-breeding seasons.

Behavior

Activity time

Diurnal.

Feeding habits

Primarily feeds on seeds, especially those of conifers (spruce, fir, pine) and deciduous trees (maple, ash, cherry). They also consume berries, small fruits, and a significant number of insects, particularly spruce budworms during outbreaks. They use their powerful bills to crack open tough seeds. Often forages in flocks.

Social behavior

Highly social, especially outside the breeding season. They form large, noisy flocks that can number in the hundreds, particularly at feeders or during migration. During breeding, they are more solitary but may nest in loose colonies.

Flight pattern

Strong, undulating flight, typical of finches. They often fly in compact flocks.

Migration pattern

Partial migrant. Northern populations are migratory, moving south for winter. Western populations are often resident or undertake altitudinal migrations. Known for irruptive movements, where large numbers move far outside their typical winter range in response to food shortages.

Territoriality

Males defend a small territory around the nest during the breeding season, but feeding areas are often shared.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season

Late April to August, with peak activity in May and June.

Nesting habits

Nests are typically built in coniferous or deciduous trees, often high up (6-20 meters or 20-65 feet) on a horizontal branch, well concealed by foliage. The nest is a bulky, open cup made of twigs, rootlets, bark strips, and moss, lined with finer materials like grass, hair, and lichens.

Clutch size

2-4 eggs, typically 3.

Egg description

2-4 eggs, pale blue or greenish-blue, heavily marked with brown, purple, or gray spots and blotches, especially at the larger end.

Incubation period

11-14 days, primarily by the female.

Fledging period

13-14 days after hatching.

Parental care

Female incubates and broods, while the male brings food to the female and later to the nestlings. Both parents feed the young after they fledge.

Where to find

Field tips

1. Listen for calls. Their distinctive 'cleep' call is often heard before the birds are seen, especially when they are flying overhead in flocks.
2. Check feeders. If you live within their range, keeping a feeder stocked with black oil sunflower seeds can attract them, particularly in winter.
3. Look for flocks. Evening Grosbeaks are highly social and are almost always found in flocks, sometimes quite large ones. Scan tree tops and feeders for groups of birds.
4. Observe feeding behavior. Watch them crack open seeds with their powerful bills; this behavior is characteristic.

Similar species

Quick facts

Conservation Status:

Vulnerable (IUCN Red List)

Diet:

Seeds, insects, berries

Habitat:

Coniferous and mixed forests

Migration:

Partial migrant, irruptive

Bill:

Massive, pale, conical

Fun facts

• The Evening Grosbeak's population has experienced significant declines in recent decades, particularly in the eastern part of its range, leading to its 'Vulnerable' conservation status. Reasons are thought to include habitat loss, pesticide use affecting insect prey (like spruce budworm), and climate change.
• Their name 'Evening Grosbeak' is a bit of a misnomer; they are active during the day, not just in the evening. The name likely comes from early observations of them feeding late in the day.
• They are highly nomadic and irruptive, meaning their winter distribution can vary dramatically from year to year depending on food availability. This makes them exciting and unpredictable visitors to bird feeders.
• Their powerful bills are capable of cracking open very hard seeds, including those of cherry pits and sunflower seeds, which few other birds can manage.
• During outbreaks of spruce budworm, Evening Grosbeaks can switch their diet almost entirely to these caterpillars, playing a significant role in controlling pest populations.

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Passeriformes

Family

Fringillidae

Genus

Coccothraustes

Species

Coccothraustes vespertinus

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