Watercolor portrait of Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus)

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus
Common 2 sounds

Learn to identify the Rose-breasted Grosbeak by ear. Master the "a robin who took voice lessons" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“turlee, turdee, daydee”

What the Rose-breasted Grosbeak sounds like

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.

“a robin who took voice lessons”

  • Call:

How to tell it apart

Listen for: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. Often written as “turlee, turdee, daydee”.
Don't confuse with:The Black-headed Grosbeak — western counterpart species. male black-headed has an orange-cinnamon breast and belly with a black head and black-and-white wings (no stark white belly and no rose patch).

Lessons featuring the Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the Rose-breasted Grosbeak's sounds in this interactive in-app lesson.

Vireos & Big-Time Singers lesson habitat
Vireos & Big-Time Singers
Tier 4 · Songbirds & Sky Watch
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Where you'll hear it

Neotropical migrant. Breeds in the northeastern US, Great Lakes region, Mid-Atlantic, and through much of southern Canada; also parts of the Midwest and northern Plains. Essentially absent as a breeder in the far Southeast, most of Plains, and far West. They migrate south in fall to winter in Central America and northern South America (as far as Peru). Thus, present in North America mainly from April to early October. Not resident in winter; they vacate to the tropics, so none are around in the US/Canada during winter months.

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).

Similar species

Black-headed Grosbeak

Western counterpart species. Male Black-headed has an orange-cinnamon breast and belly with a black head and black-and-white wings (no stark white belly and no rose patch).

Purple Finch (female)

Female Purple Finches are smaller with a more delicate bill and lack the bold eyebrow of a female grosbeak.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak song FAQ

What does a Rose-breasted Grosbeak sound like?
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. Listen for the "a robin who took voice lessons" phrase.
How do I tell a Rose-breasted Grosbeak from a Black-headed Grosbeak by sound?
Black-headed Grosbeak: Western counterpart species. Male Black-headed has an orange-cinnamon breast and belly with a black head and black-and-white wings (no stark white belly and no rose patch).; Female Black-headed is very similar to female Rose-breasted, but usually more buffy/orange on the breast and less contrast in the facial pattern (throat tends to be orange buff).; Ranges do not overlap much except in the Great Plains where hybrids can occur..
When is the best time to hear a Rose-breasted Grosbeak?
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).