They are back! Every May, as many as six Rose-breasted Grosbeaks visit our feeder for about three weeks.

This morning I had my first visit of the season from a male.

The large bill is diagnostic for grosbeaks.

No two males have exactly the same shaped rose-coloured markings.

They spend the winter in forests and semi-open habitats in Central and South America.

In spring and summer, they are found in a large variety of habitats including moist deciduous forests, parks, gardens and orchards.

During breeding season, they eat insects, fruit and seeds.

In winter, they eat invertebrates and plant material.

The lovely song has been described as a robin who has had singing lessons OR a drunken robin.

In addition, the Indigo Bunting male continues to visit us.

Just as in the Indigo Bunting species, the female Rose-breasted Grosbeak looks nothing like the male.

Miles Hearn