Watercolor portrait of Evening Grosbeak (Coccothraustes vespertinus)

Evening Grosbeak

Coccothraustes vespertinus
Northern forests of North America Coniferous and mixed forests, especially… Common Song

Learn to identify the Evening Grosbeak by ear. Master the "short warble" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“short warble”

What the Evening Grosbeak sounds like

Large, robust finch (about 8 inches long). The most defining feature is the huge conical bill, which is ivory-colored to greenish-yellow (brighter green-yellow in breeding season). The bill appears oversized for the head.

“short warble”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:Evening Grosbeaks are not known for a complex song like many songbirds. Their song, if it can be called that, is a simple, short series of warbling or burry notes, sometimes described as a faint, uneven warble. It's often given quietly from treetops during the breeding season and can be hard to distinguish from their calls. Many observers rarely hear a distinct song, as their common vocalizations are their call notes. Often written as “short warble”.
Don't confuse with:The Pine Grosbeak — another large finch of northern forests. male pine grosbeaks are rose-red and gray (no yellow), and females are olive-yellow, lacking the bold black-and-white wing pattern of evening grosbeaks. pine grosbeaks have a smaller, stubby gray bill (not massive and pale like the evening grosbeak's). behaviorally, pine grosbeaks are slower and more mellow, often seen eating berries quietly in small groups. their calls are soft, whistled "pee-o" notes and a musical chattering, much gentler than the evening grosbeak's loud "cleer" calls.

Where you'll hear it

Coniferous and mixed forests, especially those with spruce, pine, and fir trees

Moves in nomadic flocks that track seed availability; may suddenly appear at feeders in winter

Similar species

Pine Grosbeak

Another large finch of northern forests. Male Pine Grosbeaks are rose-red and gray (no yellow), and females are olive-yellow, lacking the bold black-and-white wing pattern of Evening Grosbeaks. Pine Grosbeaks have a smaller, stubby gray bill (not massive and pale like the Evening Grosbeak's). Behaviorally, Pine Grosbeaks are slower and more mellow, often seen eating berries quietly in small groups. Their calls are soft, whistled "pee-o" notes and a musical chattering, much gentler than the Evening Grosbeak's loud "cleer" calls.

American Goldfinch (female)

Female and winter-plumage American Goldfinches are dull olive or yellow-brown and considerably smaller (5 inches) with a much daintier bill. A female goldfinch might superficially share yellowish tones with a female Evening Grosbeak, but goldfinches have distinct wingbars (even in winter) and lack the Evening Grosbeak's massive build and bill. Goldfinches also have dark beady eyes (no bold supercilium or multi-toned plumage).

Evening Grosbeak song FAQ

What does an Evening Grosbeak sound like?
Evening Grosbeaks are not known for a complex song like many songbirds. Their song, if it can be called that, is a simple, short series of warbling or burry notes, sometimes described as a faint, uneven warble. It's often given quietly from treetops during the breeding season and can be hard to distinguish from their calls. Many observers rarely hear a distinct song, as their common vocalizations are their call notes. Listen for the "short warble" phrase.
How do I tell an Evening Grosbeak from a Pine Grosbeak by sound?
Pine Grosbeak: Another large finch of northern forests. Male Pine Grosbeaks are rose-red and gray (no yellow), and females are olive-yellow, lacking the bold black-and-white wing pattern of Evening Grosbeaks. Pine Grosbeaks have a smaller, stubby gray bill (not massive and pale like the Evening Grosbeak's). Behaviorally, Pine Grosbeaks are slower and more mellow, often seen eating berries quietly in small groups. Their calls are soft, whistled "pee-o" notes and a musical chattering, much gentler than the Evening Grosbeak's loud "cleer" calls.; If seen together, Pine Grosbeaks are slightly larger and longer-tailed, but the color difference is the easiest way to tell them apart. Range overlaps in some areas of the northern Rockies and boreal forest, primarily in winter when both may visit fruiting trees..
When is the best time to hear an Evening Grosbeak?
Moves in nomadic flocks that track seed availability; may suddenly appear at feeders in winter