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GROSBEAKS, like this female Rose-breasted Grosbeak get their name from the French grosbec, from "gros" meaning thick and "bec" meaning beak.
Just look at that beak. It looks like the working end of a pair of pliers!
Here's a couple more gross beaks from other grosbeaks that have visited my yard.
Source: Merriam-Webster.com
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Charlean, the rose-breasted song is said to be like a "robin with singing lessons". Thanks for your comment!
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | August 08, 2012 at 05:55 PM
We live in No.Calif and have them every year. They have a beautiful song too.
Posted by: Charlean | August 01, 2012 at 12:03 PM
Hi Kara! You're proof that you don't necessarily need a yard full of birdfeeders to enjoy the birds. Thanks for checking in from Oregon and stop in and comment often, ok?
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | July 05, 2012 at 01:48 PM
Hi Nancy, I live in Eugene, Oregon. I only have one seed feeder and one hummingbird feeder - but they keep me busy : )
Enjoy all your posts and pictures!
Posted by: kara | July 05, 2012 at 10:58 AM
Ellen - I wouldn't want to have my finger in that beak!
Kara - what a nice find; I don't think I've ever seen a Black-headed Grosbeak. Where are you located? Thanks for posting your sighting and visit again in the future, ok?
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | July 04, 2012 at 06:03 PM
When I first saw this bird at my feeder. I thought, 0 my a bird with a deformity! I quickly got my books out and looked it up. It was a Black-headed Grosbeak. Bigger than the finches - what a cool bird!
Posted by: kara | July 04, 2012 at 10:55 AM
The open gross-beak on the female Rose-Breasted reminds me of a nutcracker. I'd imagine it works in much the same way.
Posted by: Ellen | July 03, 2012 at 09:42 AM