Black-headed or Rose-breasted Grosbeak?

[Gord]

Mom sent me this picture she took a couple weeks ago from the feeders.

I think it's a female black-headed grosbeak, but it does seem a bit lighter (flanks look lighter) and has some streaks across the front of the breast as well. Also, the fact it's late in the season for black-headed grosbeaks is a bit of a sign to check a bit more closely as rarities sometimes seem to show up after the main movement of 'regulars' have passed through. Ive only seen male rose-breasted grosbeaks myself.

Comments? She has more pictures and Ill be asking for them. The bird looks wet which makes it a bit tougher to see the markings properly as the feathers are stuck together. Hope I dont have to gently and lovingly scold her for not letting me know sooner about this! It was only there for one day. Good for her to get pictures! ;D Either way, an October grosbeak (other than evening) is a good find!

[Gord]

Looking at more Id say this is a black-headed grosbeak.

The date was Sept 27 btw.

A great sighting with real potential!

[tmanson]

Gord: I had a lot of Evening, and Black-headed Grosbeaks at my feeder this summer, and it sure looks like a female Black-headed to me. Cheers, Thor

Thor Manson
Hope, B.C.

[b1schmor]

I agree-Black-headed. Wow, that is a late date. The latest one I have seen was September 5, and in a strage place. A parkland full of grassland with few trees. I saw the bird in shrubs.

Brent Schmor
Abbotsford, BC

[Gord]

Might have jumped the gun a little bit but since I dont know RBGR females at all, though I should make sure. Thanks for the opinions/confirmation!

That's a good date, Brent, and a strange location too! I thought I that the 5th was my latest date too, but checking my records I see in 2001 at Cheam Lake I had one on the 2nd and on the 20th! It's sort of amusing. My notes express a bit of surprise/excitement at the Sept 2nd record and yet even more exclaimation marks for the Sept 20th sightings. Both were females or juv.

Generally from the trends my records show, black-headed grosbeaks are gone by Aug 20-25th.