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The Pine Grosbeak only appears in the Algonquin Highlands area in the Fall, usually late October, and departs by late March. They are large and plump finches, with stubby, strongly curved black bills. Males are a dull rose-red, with dark streaks on the back, dark wings, 2 white wing bars, and a dark notched tail. Juvenile males are pinkish-red on the head and rump, with a grey body. Females are similar, with dull mustard head and rump markings.
They build bulky nests of grass and rootlets lined with moss and hair, located in low coniferous trees, very close to the ground. They will lay 2 to 5 pale blue-green blotched eggs. The song of the Pine Grosbeak is a clear 3-note warbled whistle.
Their diet consists mainly of tree buds. For this reason they are frequently seen picking up grit on the side of the highway, which helps to digest the buds. Since these birds are so tame and slow moving, they are often struck by cars, waiting too long before they take flight. Please help this species by blowing your horn when you see any finch on the road in front of your car.
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PINE GROSBEAK
Pinicola enucleator
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