Pine Grosbeaks are a species of finch that inhabit boreal forests across Canada and the northern United States. They are classified as a Red List species in the UK, meaning they are a high conservation priority. However, their global population trends and rarity are more nuanced.
Quick Facts on Pine Grosbeaks
Here are some key facts about Pine Grosbeaks:
- Scientific Name: Pinicola enucleator
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Least Concern
- In the UK: Red List species
- Population Trend: Decreasing in some areas, unknown globally
- Habitat: Boreal and mountain forests
- Range: Canada, Alaska, Northern United States, and mountainous western states
- Diet: Seeds from conifers, berries, buds, and some insects
Pine Grosbeak Population Trends
The global population trend for Pine Grosbeaks is not well understood. Their breeding habitats are remote boreal forests that are not monitored regularly. However, some regional surveys and estimates provide clues:
- Decreasing population in northeastern North America since the 1960s
- Declining winter irruptions in eastern North America suggest decreasing populations
- Unknown trends in western North America
- Estimates suggest there are between 1.5 to 15 million mature adults globally
Overall, it seems some populations may be declining but not rapidly or severely enough to be threatened globally. More research is needed on their population trends.
Reasons for Population Declines
Possible reasons for Pine Grosbeak declines in parts of their range include:
- Habitat loss and fragmentation in boreal forests
- Increased severity of wildfires damaging habitat
- Climate change affecting food sources
- Pesticide use reducing insect prey
Pine Grosbeak Conservation Status
The Pine Grosbeak is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This means they are not considered globally threatened or endangered. However, they have other conservation classifications in parts of their range:
| Region | Conservation Status |
|---|---|
| Global (IUCN) | Least Concern |
| United States | Not listed federally. Blue-listed in some states like California and Alaska. |
| Canada | Not listed federally. Listed as Sensitive in Alberta. |
| UK | Red List – species of high conservation concern |
So while Pine Grosbeaks are not globally threatened, they are a priority species for conservation in the UK due to their rarity there as a breeding bird.
Pine Grosbeak Sightings and Distribution
Pine Grosbeaks have a widespread but patchy distribution across boreal forests in Canada and the northern US. They are resident year-round in these northern forests, but also undergo winter irruptions farther south in some years when food is scarce.
Breeding Range
During the breeding season, Pine Grosbeaks predominantly inhabit:
- Coniferous and mixed forests across Canada and Alaska
- Mountain forests of the western United States
- Northeastern forests in limited numbers in the Adirondacks and northern New England
Winter Range
In winter, Pine Grosbeaks may irrupt southward especially in eastern North America. Their winter range can extend to:
- Northern tier of USA from Washington to Maine
- Occasionally as far south as Tennessee and North Carolina
But they remain year-round residents in much of Canada and the boreal forests in the northern Rockies and Alaska.
Vagrants
Outside of their regular range, Pine Grosbeaks may turn up rarely and unpredictably as winter vagrants. For example, they have been sighted rarely in places like:
- Ohio
- Kansas
- Oregon and California
Their remote boreal habitat makes detecting population trends difficult, so winter vagrant sightings provide important clues about their numbers and distributions.
Rarity in the United Kingdom
Pine Grosbeaks are very rare birds in the United Kingdom. They have attempted to breed sporadically, with the first documented nesting occuring in 1829 in Norfolk. But breeding attempts are irregular.
They are typically seen in the UK annually in very small numbers, primarily in Scotland and northern England. Most sightings occur from October to April during winter months when they wander farther from their native ranges.
Some statistics on Pine Grosbeak rarity in the UK:
- Occur annually but in very small numbers – an average of 43 sightings per year from 1960-2016
- Recorded in fewer than 10% of years as a rare breeding bird
- Only 112 accepted British breeding records since 1800s
- Population may be stable but hard to tell with such low numbers
Due to their extreme rarity as a British breeding bird, Pine Grosbeaks are a high conservation priority and listed as a Red species in the UK.
How to See Pine Grosbeaks
To observe Pine Grosbeaks, here are some tips:
Look for Them in Boreal Forests
The best places to find Pine Grosbeaks are in boreal forest regions in Canada and Alaska. Bird in coniferous woods, looking and listening for them high in trees.
Try During Winter Irruptions
Search for wintering flocks farther south during irruption years, especially in northern states and provinces in Canada. Watch for them at bird feeders in these areas.
Use Playback Calls
Try using recordings of Pine Grosbeak calls to attract them during the breeding season. But use sparingly and avoid overuse.
Travel to Northern UK
To see this rare species in the UK, your best chances are in winter in northern England and Scotland. Check recent eBird sightings for possible locations.
Conclusion
In summary, Pine Grosbeaks have a widespread distribution across northern North America but they are declining in parts of their range, especially in northeastern regions. Their global conservation status is Least Concern but they are a priority species in the UK due to their rarity there as a breeding bird. Seeing Pine Grosbeaks requires searching boreal forest regions, particularly during winter irruptions when they wander more widely. With patience and by targeting the right habitats, observers can find this nomadic and charming finch.
