Evening Grosbeak - Ross Feldner

This large member of the finch family is another case of odd naming. Early English settlers, because of their erroneous belief that it came out the woods to sing only after sundown, called it the “Evening” Grosbeak. Early French settlers were more accurate calling it le gros-bec errant, meaning the wandering big-bill, or grosbeak.

Evening Grosbeaks breed in mixed and coniferous forest across Canada and the Western United States although they are spreading east. Its migration pattern is variable, sometimes reaching as far south as the southern U.S. in winters. They forage in trees and bushes in search of seeds, berries, and insects. Their large, powerful bills enable them to crush seeds that are too tough for other seed eaters such as the Common Redpoll and Pine Siskin. Smaller birds will often follow grosbeaks to glean the scraps they leave behind.

In the summer they mostly eat insects one of which is the spruce budworm. They are so good at finding these forest pests that they provide a first warning that a budworm outbreak is starting.

Courtship by the male is a series of dance moves, wings vibrating and drooped while he swivels around. A different display has both male and female bowing alternately.

In 2016, Evening Grosbeak population trend assessments revealed a continent-wide decline of 92% since 1970.