This morning I had not just one but TWO Rose-Breasted Grosbeak males at my platform feeder!   They were feeding together for awhile, although one was a bit aggressive to the other.   An intruding Blue Jay scattered them both.  

A PURPLE FINCH female also joined on Grosbeak at the feeder for awhile.  

It is interesting that the rosy breast mark is different on each male bird.  Both are very similar at the "shoulders" and at the top fo the breast, but the center mark is wide and slightly rounded on one, while the other has a narrow central breast stripe.  I wonder if these marks are individual, so that it might be possible to recognize individuals?   

With n=2, I think I can safely identify these two, at least.  They have each fed individually, and the differences are notable.   They also have caused my family to christen them with pet names:  Blob and Stripe, according to the younger folks, while the older set prefers "Bob" and "Linus".   (yes, we are easily entertained). 

Joanne

Joanne Howl, DVM

west river, md

 

 




 

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