Finches · Perching birds
Pine Grosbeak
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Pinicola enucleator
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Voice
Call
Doug Hynes
How to recognize it
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Starling-sized, compact build
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Male: rose-red head, back and breast; grey belly
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Dark brown wings and tail, narrow white wing bars
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Thick short slightly hooked bill; soft flock call "ki-ki-ki"
About the species
The Pine Grosbeak often gives the impression of a slow, deliberate finch, with a thick bill and a tail that looks neatly cut at the end. Males show rose-red on the head and back, while females and young ones are much duller, so the same species can look quite different at a glance.
It feeds mostly in trees and bushes, taking seeds, buds, berries, and insects. Outside the breeding season it often gathers in flocks, and its voice carries as a soft whistled “pui pui pui” or “chii-vli”. The song is a short, musical warble.
It lives in coniferous woods and boreal forests across the far north of Eurasia and North America. Most populations stay near their breeding grounds, but in poor food years some move farther south in search of fruit and seed.
Where to find
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In mature conifer parks with old spruces and pines — especially where rowans grow, the Pine Grosbeak gives itself away with soft calls from the canopy.
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In winter, look high on branch tips as it calmly strips berries and seeds.
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After fresh snow, check rowan-lined avenues and quiet courtyards beside conifer plantings — it may feed in small flocks.
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On the city edge with larger spruce stands, it shows up in the upper tree layer, making short hops between trees.
You might also see
Sources
- eBird — Pinicola enucleator Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — Pine grosbeak Encyclopedia article