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Rose-breasted Grosbeak plumage
- To: carolinabirds@duke.edu
- Subject: Rose-breasted Grosbeak plumage
- From: Psbmt@aol.com
- Date: Wed, 16 May 2001 12:26:35 EDT
- Sender: carolinabirds-owner@acpub.duke.edu
The male and female R-b Grosbeaks that arrived at my feeders this AM are
still present, and have seen another female as well. Guess they're in no
hurry to leave with the rainy, cooler weather.
They are choosing to perch on the tube feeder that contains black oil
sunflower, ignoring so far the nearby platform feeder with the same seed.
So, as they flap to balance themselves on the perches, I am able to get good
views of their underwing coverts, which are a bright yellow on the female and
a deep rose on the male. These aren't very apparent normally, at least to
me. I only realized the female had this bright coloring when one hit a
window last fall and I actually had her in my hand. By the way, their bills
are very powerful!
The only field guide that I have that shows the underwing coverts in these
birds is the Sibley guide.
Shelley Theye
Shelley Theye
N. Chatham County, NC
Psbmt@aol.com