Rose-breasted Grosbeak

A lush, melodic series of warbling phrases, resembling a robin's song but smoother and more variable. Often described as a robin that's had opera training. The song lasts 2–3 seconds per bout, with few pauses between bouts on a spring morning. Males sing frequently from high perches in the canopy during spring and early summer. Females sometimes sing a quieter version from the nest.

• Metallic chinks, then a squeaky warble: Hard chink notes grab your ear first; later, the bird loosens into a thinner, creakier version of its warble. “chink! … chee-wurble”

Long-distance migrant. Breeds in deciduous and mixed woods across southern Canada and the northeastern and north-central United States. Winters from Mexico through Central America into northern South America, so in the United States and Canada it is mainly a spring-through-fall bird.

Deciduous and mixed forests, particularly during breeding. Favors secondary woodlands, wooded stream corridors, and forest edges. Common in groves of maples, oaks, and other hardwoods in summer, often near openings. During migration, found in any habitat with trees, including parks and backyards (they often appear at feeders in spring). Winters in tropical forests, woodlands, and gardens in Central and northern South America. In summer, often seen at mid-canopy level in forests and edges as they forage or sing.

Arrive on breeding grounds in late April or May. Males often arrive first and begin singing to establish territories. Breeding and nesting occur from May through July. By mid to late summer, they begin fattening on fruits and seeds, and by September most depart for migration. Fall migration peaks in September, with birds moving primarily at night. During migration they may show up at feeders (especially in spring). They spend winter (November to March) in Central and South America. By early May, they return north, with males singing vigorously upon arrival. They are most conspicuous in spring (song) and fall (visiting feeders).

A medium-sized songbird with a thick conical bill. Males are striking with a black head and back, white underparts, and a bold triangular rose-red patch on the breast. They also have white patches on the wings. Females are heavily streaked brown and white, with a bold white eyebrow stripe and yellowish or buffy underwing linings and a pale bill. In flight, males flash white wing patches and rosy underwings; females show a lot of streaky brown and yellow under the wing. They inhabit leafy woodlands and edges. Their song is a beautiful, rich warbling similar to a robin's but more refined. Often noticed by voice from high in the trees.