ID Keys: Males dark brownish yellow overall, with large white wing
patch, yellow eyebrow and forehead, dark head and nape, black wings
and tail. Large sturdy bill.
Evening Grosbeaks are primarily birds of northern and high
elevation forests of Canada and the western U.S. However, they
occasionally (and unpredictably) move well to the south and east of their normal
range during the winter months. Prior to 1900, they were only found in the
western half of North America. With the mass plantings of box elder and
other favorite trees and the prevalence of bird feeders, they now can be found
in the Great Lakes region and throughout the northeastern United States.
Habitat
The Evening Grosbeak inhabits coniferous and mixed forests, particularly those containing spruce, fir, pine, and aspen. During winter, it often moves into woodlands, parks, residential neighborhoods, and other areas with bird feeders. In South Dakota, breeding birds are found primarily in the coniferous forests of the Black Hills, while winter visitors may occur throughout the state.
Diet
The Evening Grosbeak feeds primarily on seeds, buds, fruits, and berries, using its large, powerful bill to crack open hard seeds. It also consumes insects, especially during the breeding season when protein is important for growing young. In winter, Evening Grosbeaks are frequent visitors to bird feeders, where they readily eat sunflower seeds and other offerings.
Behavior
The Evening Grosbeak is a social species that often travels and feeds in flocks, particularly during the nonbreeding season. It is known for its powerful bill, which allows it to crack hard seeds with ease, and it can be surprisingly bold at bird feeders. During the breeding season, pairs become more territorial, although the species generally remains less secretive than many forest-dwelling songbirds.
Nesting
June and July in South Dakota. The Evening Grosbeak builds a loosely constructed cup nest of twigs, grasses, and rootlets, usually placed high in a conifer or mixed forest tree. The female typically lays 2–5 pale blue-green eggs marked with darker spots and performs most of the incubation. Both parents help feed and care for the nestlings after they hatch.
Song
The Evening Grosbeak is a vocal bird that frequently gives clear, ringing calls often described as sharp whistles or short, musical notes. Flocks maintain contact with a variety of distinctive peer calls while flying and feeding. Its song is a soft, warbling series of whistles and chirps, though it is heard less often than the species' characteristic calls.
Migration
The Evening Grosbeak is an irregular migrant whose movements are closely tied to food availability rather than a predictable seasonal pattern. Northern populations often move southward during winter, and in some years large numbers may irrupt far beyond their normal range. These winter movements can bring substantial flocks into the northern Great Plains, including South Dakota, while in other years the species may be scarce or absent.
Distinctive if seen well, unlikely to be confused with another species
Bird Feeders
Will attend feeders for sunflower seeds and other items.
Conservation Status
The Evening Grosbeak is classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature due to significant long-term population declines across much of its range. Factors contributing to these declines include habitat changes, reduced availability of forest insects and seeds, and other environmental pressures. Although the species remains widespread in North America, its decreasing population has raised conservation concerns in recent decades.
Photo Information
June 17th, 2008 - Near Trout Lake in Washington state - Terry Sohl
