Birdsong field guide
Evening Grosbeak
Coccothraustes vespertinus
A large, bulky finch characterized by its massive conical bill and the male's striking yellow, black, and white plumage.
What it sounds like
Loud, piercing 'cleer' whistles and sharp, metallic chirps similar to an oversized House Sparrow.
Reference call, compare with what you heard
No reference call found yet · Xeno-canto
Field notes
- Its name is based on a misconception by early settlers who mistakenly believed the bird only emerged from the woods to sing at sunset.
- They possess specialized skull morphology and powerful jaw muscles that allow them to exert enough pressure to crack open cherry pits.
- The species is highly irruptive, meaning large flocks move south unpredictably in winter when northern seed crops fail.
- Evening Grosbeaks are frequently observed eating road salt and grit, which helps them digest seeds and provides necessary minerals.
- Despite their current decline, they underwent a massive eastward range expansion in the early 20th century due to the planting of Box Elder trees.
Habitat
Coniferous and mixed forests, as well as orchards and suburban areas with bird feeders during winter.
Range
Breeds across southern Canada and the mountainous western United States; winters irruptively across the lower 48 states.
Similar & commonly confused birds
Heard a Evening Grosbeak?
Open Birdsong, tap record, and identify the bird singing near you in seconds — then collect it in your field journal.
Identify a bird by its song