Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Deck Birds, May 13, 2013: Part 2

Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Purple Finch

Another harbinger of spring is the appearance of the Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. We get quite a few stopping by on the way north to their nesting grounds but we also hang on to a few as well. In fact, I've had three or four males hanging around lately with their lady friends so they must be nesting somewhere near. The male's bright white underside with the rose-red bib can be seen from some distance and the black and white flash of their wings and tails also helps spot them in the brush and low trees. The females on the other hand...well, they are camouflaged quite well. The better to hide while tending the low nest. Given that the males also incubate the eggs, sit nearby and sing to their mates, however, must give up the location to predators fairly often.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Rose-breasted Grosbeak (female)

Purple Finches are present through out the year, but they take on a real, eye-popping hue in the spring and early summer. More red than purple the males can be pretty easy to identify. The one thing not shown in these two pictures is the bright red patch on their rump just above the tail and between the wings. The similar House Finch lacks that patch and has a more distinct brown triangle around the eye as well as some brown striping along it's flanks. The Purple's song is a lively one heard anytime during the day and lacks the whiney ending of the Goldfinch.

Purple Finch

Purple Finch

1 comment:

threecollie said...

Great shots! We had a purple finch so bright today he matched the red of the feeder so you could barely see him against it. Ralph couldn't believe it when he finally picked him out.