Pine Grosbeak

About the Pine Grosbeak

The pine grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator) is a large member of the true finch family, Fringillidae. It is the only species in the genus Pinicola. It is found in coniferous woods across Alaska, the western mountains of the United States, Canada, and in subarctic Fennoscandia and across the Palearctic to Siberia. The species is a frugivore, especially in winter, favoring small fruits, such as rowans (mountain-ashes in the New World). With fruit-crop abundance varying from year to year, pine grosbeak is one of many subarctic-resident bird species that exhibit irruptive behavior. In irruption years, individuals can move long distances in search of suitable food supplies, bringing them farther south and/or downslope than is typical of years with large fruit crops.

Source: Wikipedia

Classification

Scientific name

Pinicola enucleator

Family

Finches, Euphonias, and Allies

Order

Passeriformes

Similar species

Other members of the finches, euphonias, and allies family recorded in North America — a useful place to start if you are not certain of your identification.

• Akekee Loxops caeruleirostris
• Akiapolaau Hemignathus wilsoni
• Akikiki Oreomystis bairdi
• Akohekohe Palmeria dolei
• American Goldfinch Spinus tristis
• Anianiau Magumma parva
• Apapane Himatione sanguinea
• Asian Rosy-Finch Leucosticte arctoa
• Black Rosy-Finch Leucosticte atrata
• Black Siskin Spinus atratus
• Black-capped Siskin Spinus atriceps
• Black-headed Siskin Spinus notatus