Evening Grosbeak
Hesperiphona vespertina
The Evening Grosbeak is a rare visitor to Britain, typically seen during the winter months, and is most notable for its distinctive appearance and finch-like characteristics. It is usually spotted in coniferous woodlands, particularly in the northern regions of the country.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Evening Grosbeak in the field.
At a glance, the Evening Grosbeak can be identified by its bright yellow and black plumage, distinctive white wing bars, and a large, conical bill. Its head shape and size also set it apart from other finches.
The Evening Grosbeak is slightly larger than a Chaffinch, but smaller than a Hawfinch, making it a medium-sized finch.
The male Evening Grosbeak has a bright yellow body, with a black head, back, and wings, and white wing bars, giving it a striking appearance, with little seasonal variation in its plumage.
The female Evening Grosbeak has a similar, but slightly duller, plumage to the male, with a greyish-brown head and back, and yellow underparts, making her less conspicuous than the male.
The Evening Grosbeak's call is a sharp, metallic "kleer" or "chink" sound, often repeated in a series, while its song is a series of short, musical phrases.
Evening Grosbeaks are social birds that forage for seeds, particularly conifer seeds, and insects in trees, often flying in flocks and making short, swift flights between trees.
The Evening Grosbeak can be confused with other finches, such as the Hawfinch or the Pine Grosbeak, but can be distinguished by its bright yellow and black plumage, and distinctive white wing bars, which set it apart from these similar species.
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