Evening Grosbeak
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Passeriformes, Family: Fringillidae, Genus: Coccothraustes, Species: Coccothraustes vespertinus
Family: Fringillidae (Finches)
- Shape
- Generally rounded and broad at the tips with a tapered base, typical of small passerine body plumage.
- Size
- Small, approximately 0.5 to 1.5 inches in length. Standard for body plumage of a medium-sized songbird.
- Rarity
- Uncommon to Rare; populations have seen significant declines and sightings are often unpredictable (irruptive).
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Description
The Evening Grosbeak is a bulky finch with a massive, bone-colored bill. Males are striking with yellow bodies, black wings with large white patches, and a bold yellow eyebrow.
Colour & Pattern
Vivid lemon-yellow and deep smoky-gray/slate. The yellow is a carotenoid-based pigment characteristic of male plumage.
Barb Structure
Mix of plumulaceous (downy) at the base for insulation and pennaceous (firm) at the distal end for weatherproofing.
Texture & Surface
Silky and soft to the touch; the yellow portions have a slight gloss while the gray portions are matte.
Key Features
High-contrast combination of bright yellow and slate gray feathers from a songbird with significant bulk.
Habitat
Coniferous and mixed forests, particularly those with spruces, firs, and maples; often visits bird feeders in winter.
Geographic Range
Breeds across southern Canada and the western United States; irruptive winter migrant to the eastern US.
Ecological Role
Seed predator with a specialized bill for cracking hard pits; also consumes spruce budworms during outbreaks.
Similar Species
American Goldfinch (much smaller, different yellow hue) or Yellow-headed Blackbird (different gray/black distribution).
Interesting Facts
Despite their name, they are not particularly active in the evening; they were named by early settlers who only saw them at dusk during migration.
Condition Notes
Poor. The feathers are part of a carcass or predated remains, appearing matted, soiled, and disconnected from the body.