Pine Grosbeaks in Toronto

Please see video: Adult male Pine Grosbeak feeding on miniature crab apples in the east end of Toronto on 1 January 2019. Found by Owen Strickland, this was a nice gift on New Years Day.

In Ron Pittaway's 2018-2019 Winter Finch Forecast: PINE GROSBEAK: This magnificent grosbeak will move south in moderate numbers into southern Ontario and the northern states. The Mountain-ash berry crop in the boreal forest of Ontario and Quebec is below average and conifer seeds are in short supply. The feeders at the Visitor Centre in Algonquin Park should have Pine Grosbeaks this winter. At feeders they prefer black oil sunflower seeds. Also watch for them on European Mountain-ashes and crabapple trees.

Pine Grosbeaks eat the seeds inside the berry, discarding the flesh. Toronto on 1 January 2019. See Ron Pittaway's Winter Finch Basics for more information on Pine Grosbeaks.

Probable adult female Pine Grosbeak, though they look similar to first year males. Toronto on 1 January 2019.

Probable adult female Pine Grosbeak, though they look similar to first year males. 1 January 2019.

Russet form of the Pine Grosbeak with russet/burnt orange on crown and rump. This is probably a first year male. Toronto on 1 January 2019.

WINTER FINCH FORECAST 2018-2019 by Ron Pittaway