The rose-breasted grosbeak is a medium-sized songbird that breeds in the northern parts of North America. It is a member of the cardinal family Cardinalidae and gets its name from the distinctive red patch on its white breast. In Minnesota, the rose-breasted grosbeak is a common summer visitor and breeder. Let’s take a closer look at the status and distribution of this colorful songbird in the state.
Range and Distribution
The rose-breasted grosbeak has a large breeding range that extends across much of Canada and the northern United States. Its wintering grounds are in southern Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. The species migrates long distances in spring and fall between its breeding and wintering habitats.
In Minnesota, rose-breasted grosbeaks can be found statewide during the spring and summer months. They arrive in Minnesota in May to breed and nest. Numbers peak in June and July before they start their southbound migration in August and September. Very few linger into October. Their breeding range covers the entire state.
Breeding Habitat
During the breeding season, rose-breasted grosbeaks inhabit deciduous and mixed forests across Minnesota. They prefer habitat with a dense understory and a partly open canopy. Typical nesting sites include woodland edges, forest openings, parks, and suburban yards with mature trees.
In northern Minnesota, rose-breasted grosbeaks nest in aspen, birch, and mixed coniferous-deciduous forests. Farther south, they breed in oak and maple forests. Along the Minnesota River valley and in the southeast, bottomland forests with cottonwoods and willows provide good nesting habitat.
Nesting
Rose-breasted grosbeaks build an open cup nest in the fork of a horizontal tree branch, 10 to 20 feet above ground. The female chooses the nest site and does most of the construction work. Nests are made of twigs, bark strips, stems, leaves, and sometimes trash. They are lined with finer plant material and rootlets.
The female lays 3-4 pale blue or greenish eggs and incubates them for 12-14 days. Both parents feed the young which leave the nest at 9-12 days old. Rose-breasted grosbeaks frequently raise 2 broods per season in Minnesota.
Abundance and Population
Rose-breasted grosbeaks are common breeders in Minnesota. Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) data shows they can be found across the state wherever suitable habitat exists. Between 1966-2019, BBS trends indicate the species had a survey-wide population increase of 1.18% per year in Minnesota.
The rose-breasted grosbeak has a large global population estimated at 14 million individuals. The North American Breeding Bird Survey shows an increasing population trend since the 1960s. The species is not considered threatened and has been expanding its breeding range northward in recent decades.
Seasonal Patterns
Rose-breasted grosbeaks are migratory and follow a predictable pattern of seasonal movements through Minnesota:
- Spring Arrival: from mid to late May
- Breeding Season: late May through August
- Fall Departure: from late August to mid-September
A few late migrating individuals may be seen up to early October. Rose-breasted grosbeaks do not overwinter in Minnesota. All individuals migrate south in fall to their winter range.
Identifying Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks
With their distinctive markings, rose-breasted grosbeaks are easy to identify. Adult males are unmistakable with a black head, back, and tail, a bright red triangle on the breast, and large white patches on the wings and belly. Females are mostly streaked brown and white with bold head stripes and a pale pink-stained breast.
In spring, listen for their melodious warbled song and sharp “peek” call notes. Also watch for them at backyard feeders with sunflower seeds. Rose-breasted grosbeaks occasionally hybridize with the less common black-headed grosbeak in the western United States.
Attracting Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks
Here are some tips to attract rose-breasted grosbeaks to your yard:
- Provide sunflower seed feeders and platforms
- Offer fresh orange halves or grape jelly
- Have a water source like a birdbath or fountain
- Plant native berry-producing shrubs
- Allow dead trees and natural tangles
- Avoid use of pesticides
Rose-breasted grosbeaks prefer tray or platform feeders over tube feeders. Specifically catering to them will allow sightings of this colorful visitor passing through in spring.
Conservation Status
The rose-breasted grosbeak has a large range and increasing population. The species rates an 8 out of 20 on the Continental Concern Score and is not on the 2014 State of North America’s Birds’ Watch List. Rose-breasted grosbeaks face no major conservation threats at present.
Threats
Some potential risks rose-breasted grosbeaks may face include:
- Habitat loss on wintering grounds
- Collisions with towers and buildings during migration
- Climate change affecting migration patterns and food sources
- Brood parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds
However, their adaptability to both natural and human-altered habitats should help the rose-breasted grosbeak remain a common species into the future.
Key Facts
Here are some key facts about rose-breasted grosbeaks in Minnesota:
- They breed in forests across the state.
- Most abundant in central and northern regions.
- Males sing a loud, melodious warble.
- Nest in early summer and may raise 2 broods.
- Favor sunflower seeds, berries, and orange halves at feeders.
- Migrate through Minnesota May to September.
- Population increased 1.18% per year from 1966-2019.
Conclusion
In conclusion, rose-breasted grosbeaks are a fairly common breeding bird in Minnesota. Their attractive appearance and singing ability make them a favorite among birders. Suitable habitat exists statewide for this medium-sized songbird of northern forests. Protecting large tracts of deciduous and mixed woodlands will ensure rose-breasted grosbeaks continue thriving across Minnesota for years to come.