Rose-breasted Grosbeak
by Elizabeth Winter
Title
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Artist
Elizabeth Winter
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
Unlike other species, both the male and female share in the incubation process by taking turns during the day (the female incubates during the night). Both sexes sing softly to each other while they switch places. Once the eggs hatch, the male will also assist with feeding the young.
The rose-breasted grosbeak’s nest is so flimsy and thin that their blue-green eggs can often be seen from underneath. In spite of this (or perhaps because of this), the pair will often have a second brood during one season. When this happens, the female will take turns incubating the second set of eggs while her mate remains with the first.
It is one of the few (if not the only) species to devour the Colorado potato bug. It feeds on both the adult insects as well as larvae and will feed both to its young.
A rose-breasted grosbeak pair will defend a fairly large territory – up to two acres of wooded or thick brushy areas. Interestingly enough, they will allow other grosbeaks to feed on their territory as long as they do not sing. If they do sing, they are quickly chased off by an angry male.
Uploaded
June 23rd, 2019
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Comments (8)
Deb Halloran
Elizabeth, What a gorgeous action capture. The colors and light are incredible, Nicely done. L/F
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