Birds Of Broad Ripple - by Brandt Carter and Jeffrey L. Stone
posted: Jul. 11, 2024

This Bird is Not Gross
What is Red, Black and White? This gorgeous bird is a migrating species. I have been lucky to have them at my feeder for only two to three weeks as they use my yard as a stop-over on the flight to cooler, northern summer, nesting locations. It is truly a treat to view these striking songbirds. They are said to sing like a robin that has had opera training. This is a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak. But as it happens often in nature, the females and immature grosbeaks are streaked brown and white with a bold face pattern and enormous bill.
image courtesy of Jeffrey L. Stone
You will only be able to spot them in the spring and fall. Look for them to eat sunflower seed and peanuts at feeders and insects and fruit found in your landscape. You will have no trouble identifying the Rose-breasted Grosbeak. If you want to learn more about this bird, check out https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Rose-breasted_Grosbeak
image courtesy of Jeffrey L. Stone
brandt@broadripplegazette.com