Rose-breasted Grosbeak Sounds

Overview
ID info
Life History
Maps
Sounds

Song
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New York, May 23, 1992Recorded by Steven R. Pantle | Macaulay Library
Calls
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New York, May 29, 1997Recorded by Gregory Budney | Macaulay Library
Flight calls
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Maryland, September 19, 1994Recorded by Michael O'Brien

Sounds provided by Macaulay Library.
Listen to more sounds of this species from the ML archive.

Songs

Both males and females sing a rich, sweetly whistled song. The pattern is similar to an American Robin’s song, composed of many notes that alternately rise and fall. Most people describe the grosbeak’s song as sweeter and more melodious than a robin’s. The song can last 6 seconds and consist of 20 notes or syllables. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are one of few bird species reported to sing while sitting on the nest. The female sings when nest-building, incubating, and brooding. The male often sings quietly from the nest and loudly from other high perches.

Calls

Rose-breasted Grosbeaks give short, sharp, penetrating chink calls, sometimes likened to the sound of a sneaker on a gym floor. They also give harsh, repeated squawks when alarmed.

Compare with Similar Species

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Black-headed Grosbeak

Purple Finch

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Species in This Family

Cardinals and Allies(Order: Passeriformes, Family:Cardinalidae)

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Black-headed Grosbeak

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How to Tell a Female Rose-breasted Grosbeak From a Female Purple Finch

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