Pine grosbeaks are known to be the largest of the northern finch species.  They appear to be tame and when approached they do not fly away immediately.   This gives you the chance to watch them.

 They are bright red color in the winter and because of this bright color, they contrast with the white snow beautifully. 

Unlike most birds, they are commonly seen during the winter months when their bright foliage stands out well in the tops of pine and spruce trees. Grosbeaks feed on buds, fruits, berries and seeds.  They look for fallen seeds and berries on the ground.  During the summer, some of their diet is made up of insects.  They also visit bird feeders during the winter.  

Nests are built in a conifer tree or tall shrub.  The nest is made of twigs, moss, grass, lich year and spends 13 to 15 days incubating the eggs.  The female lays a group of 2-5 (typically 4) pale blue-green blotched eggs.

• Males, and sometimes females sing using a clear flute-like warble

• Their "warble" song rises and falls for 2-5 seconds

• Pine Grosbeaks sluggishly hop from branch to branch, nipping off fresh buds and needles, as well as on the ground, grabbing fallen seeds

• During the winter, they will eat dirt and grit along the side of the road, in addition to their regular diet

• They will drink water or eat snow daily