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Pine Grosbeak Identification

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The Four Keys to ID

  • Size & Shape

    The Pine Grosbeak is a large and plump, heavy-chested finch with a round head. Its bill is thick and conical, but much stubbier than in other finch species. The tail is long and slightly notched.

    Relative Size

    Larger than a Cassin's Finch, smaller than a Steller's Jay.

    Relative Sizerobin sizedrobin-sized

    Measurements
    • Both Sexes

Regional Differences

Plumage coloration varies across the range of Pine Grosbeaks, but these differences are not consistent. Male Pine Grosbeaks in California are often more orangeish and females more yellowish. Birds in the interior West tend to have less red.