Bird Watch: Rose Breasted Grosbeak

The Grosbeak is a predominantly tree seed and fruit eater and comes to Coronado in the late summer (Feb-Apr) It can be seen in the tree tops gorging itself on small cherry like fruits. The male in the breeding season has a black head, tail and back with white wing markings and its breast is rose red below the neck and changes to white at its under belly. The female has a light brown head and wings with white makings and its back and breast are a soft dull brown. Both have light brown parrot type beaks. They are frequently seen in pairs and at maturity are about 18cm (7in)