Pine Grosbeak Identification

Large and plump, heavy-chested finch with a round head. Its conical finchlike bill is thick and stubby. Adult males are rosy red and gray with two white wingbars on dark gray wings.

A large, plump finch with a short, stubby bill. Females are mostly gray, with orange or yellow on the head and rump. Note the long tail and two white wingbars.

A large, plump, heavy-chested finch with a short, stubby bill. Male is reddish-pink and gray, with two white wingbars on dark wings.

Immature males are grayish with tints of reddish orange or yellow on the head, chest, and rump.

North America's largest finch. Adult males are distinguished from other reddish finches by combination of large size; stubby, slightly hooked bill; bold white wingbars; and long, forked tail.

Female/immature is grayish with tints of reddish orange or yellow on the head and rump. Note also dark gray wings with two white wingbars.

Plump, heavy-chested finch with a thick, stubby bill. Adult females have golden yellow heads and chests with a gray lower belly and dark gray wings with two white wingbars.

Plumage coloration varies regionally, but not consistently. Immature males on the coast tend to be darker red on the head and chest.

Plumage varies regionally, but not always consistently. Some adult males in the interior of North America have more grayish mottling on their backs with grayer flanks.

The amount of yellow on the head, chest, and rump on females is variable. This female has limited yellow on the head and no yellow on the chest. Note stocky size and thick stubby bill.

In flight, size and shape are reminiscent of American Robin. Note Pine Grosbeak's undulating flight, with a series of slow wingbeats followed by a long glide.

Breeds in open spruce, fir, and pine forests as well as subalpine forests. In winter, tends to use mountain ash, maple, and ash forests with abundant seeds.