Evening Grosbeaks are striking, colorful birds that can add excitement to a backyard feeding station. These chunky finches breed primarily in northern coniferous forests but irregularly stage massive winter invasions southward as far as the tropics. Their incursions seem to be spurred by bumper seed crops farther north; during poor northern winters they may barely enter the northern states. Evening Grosbeaks frequent backyards with large deciduous trees—particularly maples—and platforms feeders stocked with sunflower seeds. They’re often found in flocks.
What do Evening Grosbeaks eat?
Evening Grosbeaks eat mostly tree seeds and buds, including maple samaras, boxelder seeds, and fruits such as juniper berries. At feeders they relish sunflower seeds of all types, as well as safflower, peanuts, and suet.
Favorite Foods
- Sunflower seeds
- Maple samaras
- Boxelder seeds
- Juniper berries
- Safflower
- Peanuts
- Suet
What kind of feeder is best?
Platform feeders are ideal for Evening Grosbeaks. They accommodate several birds at once and allow easy access to sunflower seeds, the grosbeaks’ favorite food. Hopper or tube feeders with large perches also work well. Try offering sunflower seeds with no shells to minimize mess.
Recommended Feeders
| Feeder Type | Features |
|---|---|
| Platform feeder | Large flat surface allows easy access for many birds at once |
| Hopper feeder | Holds plenty of seed; allows birds like grosbeaks to perch while feeding |
| Tube feeder | Use large tube feeders with big perches |
What else will attract Evening Grosbeaks?
In addition to stocking preferred food, consider these tips:
- Provide cover such as dense bushes or evergreens near feeders
- Add a source of fresh water like a birdbath
- Situate feeders near large trees, especially maples
- Offer grit like crushed eggshells to aid digestion
- Set up feeders in a quiet spot away from disturbance
Water Sources
Consider adding a water source like a heated birdbath that won’t freeze in winter. Moving water from a fountain or mister is especially attractive.
Grit Sources
In addition to seeds, grosbeaks need grit to grind and digest their food. Offer grit in a tray feeder or sprinkle crushed eggshells, fine gravel, or sand on the ground.
When will Evening Grosbeaks visit?
Evening Grosbeaks are irregular winter visitors across much of the U.S. and southern Canada. When populations boom farther north, the grosbeaks may stage massive southward migrations. These winter “invasions” are unpredictable and sporadic.
| Region | Peak Visitation |
|---|---|
| Northeast | November to April |
| Midwest | December to March |
| Great Plains | December to February |
| Southwest | Rare winter visitor |
| West Coast | Rare and irregular in winter |
| Southeast | Rare winter visitor |
During invasion years, Evening Grosbeaks may appear as early as November and stay through April or May. It’s hard to predict when they’ll be around!
Unexpected Visitors
Evening Grosbeaks are noted for their erratic and unpredictable winter movements. Flocks may suddenly show up in a location where they haven’t been seen for decades. Setting up feeders and food sources can help attract them during invasion years.
How can you identify Evening Grosbeaks?
With their massive bills and bright yellow and black plumage, Evening Grosbeaks are hard to mistake for anything else. Key identification points:
- Large finch with a very thick, conical bill
- Males are yellow with black wings, white secondaries, and a brown head
- Females are gray-brown with yellow tinges on the head and rump
- Juveniles resemble females but are streakier overall
- In flight, look for big triangular wings with white patches
- Call is a loud cleep often given in flight
Similar Species
No other finches within Evening Grosbeak range are so distinctly colored. Pairs of grosbeaks may be confused with Northern Flickers when viewed from afar, but the bright yellow on male grosbeaks separates them.
| Species | Distinguishing Features |
|---|---|
| Northern Flicker | Lacks bright yellow on males; has speckled breast |
| Goldfinch | Much smaller with a thinner bill; black on wings only |
| Yellow-rumped Warbler | Slim yellow bird; lacks grosbeak’s huge bill |
Fun facts about Evening Grosbeaks
- During summer, Evening Grosbeaks feed their young almost exclusively insect prey like beetles and caterpillars—a surprising diet for these seed-loving birds.
- The oldest recorded Evening Grosbeak was a male who lived to be over 12 years old. He was recaptured 11 years after he was originally banded.
- Evening Grosbeaks have a clever way of opening up seed pods: they repeatedly bite the pod while twisting it around until it splits open.
- The Evening Grosbeak was named for its very large bill and noisy, creaky call that sounds like an old gate closing in the evening.
- Alexander Wilson first described the Evening Grosbeak in 1811 from a specimen provided by Lewis and Clark from their famous expedition.
Interesting Behaviors
Watch for these fascinating grosbeak behaviors if they visit your yard:
- Males may display to females by spreading their wings and lifting their bright yellow feathers.
- They often perch quietly for long periods before suddenly flying off to another tree.
- Grosbeaks breed as pairs but roost communally in flocks at night.
Conclusion
With their massive bills, vibrant colors, and gregarious nature, Evening Grosbeaks are a delight to host at your feeders. By providing sunflower seeds and maple trees in a quiet spot, you can increase your odds of attracting them during winter invasion years. Just be sure to stock up on seed and enjoy the show when these striking northern finches come to town!
