The Rose-breasted 
Grosbeak
(Pheucticus Iudovicianus) is about 8 inches in length. The male
is black and white above with a white breast sporting a bright
rosy red patch on the breast and under the wings. The heavy conical
beak is pinky white. The female lacks the rosy red coloration
and is a dull brown with heavy streaking. She has yellow wing
linings.
The bird has a sharp, metallic call and
a melodious song, similar to the American Robin. Its habitat
is woodlands along open fields and orchards. It feeds on insects,
seeds and fruit.
The nest is made of grass and twigs and
placed in tree branches. The clutch is usually 4 or 5 pale blue
eggs spotted with brownish purple.
The range includes parts of Canada including
northeastern British Columbia, southern Manitoba and Nova Scotia
south to southern Alberta. It is also found in parts of the northeastern
United States. Regular visitor to the southern California coast
in winter.
The plush Rose-breasted Grosbeak shown
is made by Wild Republic and is part of their Audubon Birds collection.
These birds are unique in that when squeezed they will utter
their own particular call. Check the Gift
Shop to see if there are any Rose-breasted Grosbeaks in stock.
