Documentation of
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
2009-123
Observer Information
Reporter:
Steve Linderer
E-mail:
Other Observers:
Margaret Linderer; Margaret saw the bird first, followed by Steve. Both saw it several times.
Species, Date, Time and Location Information
Species:
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
First Date/Time:
5/16/2009
Last Date/Time:
Duration (total time in view):
Three sightings over 30 minutes
County:
Custer
Specific Location:
2177 County Road 260, Westcliffe, CO 81252
Brush Hollow Road 2.2 miles off of SH96.
Lat. N38 degrees 10.6 minutes
Lon. W105 degrees 21.3 minutes
Number:
1
Age:
Unknown
Sex:
Male
Plumage:
Other/Unknown
Habitat
Feeding on a platform bird feeder located on a deck railing 14' above the ground. Bird also observed flying away from the feeder several times into nearby Ponderosa Pine/Pinyon Pine forest.
Viewing Conditions
Optics:
None
Distance:
15' measured by tape measure
Light:
Partly cloudy, but bird was in full overhead sun. Light conditions were excellent.
Description of the Bird
A little smaller than a robin. Large black head with thick white beak. Black wings with white patches. Pink underwing. Very similar to Black-headed Grosbeak on feeder at same time, except this bird had bright white breast with a striking rose patch. White markings in flight. White rump.
Behaviors: Eating sunflower seeds at a feeder. Somewhat harassed by Black-headed Grosbeaks on feeder at the same time.
Call: Not observed
Plumage: Adult breeding
Similar Species Discussion
Black-headed Grosbeaks were at the feeder at the same time. Similar head and wings but with an orange body and darker bill.
Resources Used
Both observers identified the bird immediately by sight but checked the bird in The Sibley Guide to Birds.
Previous Experience
Both observers have frequently seen Black-headed and Evening Grosbeaks and occasionally Blue Grosbeaks. This was their first sighting of the Rose-breasted, which in its breeding plumage immediately stood out.
Notes
Notes made DURING observation
Date Documentation Submitted
5/16/2009 1:22:00 PM
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