How to identify the Pine Grosbeak

To correctly identify the Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

20-25 cm (7.9-9.8 in)

Wingspan

33-38 cm (13-15 in)

Weight

52-78 g (1.8-2.8 oz)

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Males are predominantly rosy-red on the head, back, and rump, fading to pinkish on the underparts. They have two prominent white wing-bars on dark wings. Females and immatures are duller, typically yellowish-orange or olive-yellow on the head and rump, with grayish underparts and two white wing-bars. All plumages have a dark, deeply notched tail.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Conical, stout, and relatively short, dark gray to black, adapted for crushing seeds and buds.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Dark gray to black

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   Large size for a finch, long tail, stout conical bill, and two prominent white wing-bars. Males' rosy-red plumage is distinctive. Females and immatures show yellowish or olive-yellow on the head and rump.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles resemble females, but are often duller, with less distinct yellow or olive tones and more streaking on the underparts. They gradually acquire adult plumage over their first year.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes; breeding and non-breeding plumages are similar. Plumage may appear slightly duller due to wear by late summer.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Pronounced. Adult males are rosy-red, while adult females and immatures are yellowish-orange or olive-yellow on the head and rump, with gray bodies.

Key field marks

• Size and Shape. Look for a large, plump finch with a relatively long, deeply notched tail and a stout, conical bill. It's noticeably larger than most other finches.
• Male Plumage. Adult males are unmistakable with their rosy-red head, back, and rump, contrasting with grayish underparts and dark wings with two prominent white wing-bars.
• Female/Immature Plumage. Females and immatures show yellowish-orange or olive-yellow on the head and rump, with grayish bodies and two distinct white wing-bars. This combination of color and wing-bars is key.
• Behavior. Observe its calm, deliberate foraging behavior, often feeding quietly on buds or berries. They are often quite tame and allow close approach.
• Vocalizations. Listen for its distinctive, clear, whistled 'pui-pui-pui' call or its rich, flute-like warbling song.

Explore the Pine Grosbeak