Rose-breasted Grosbeak Sounds

Overview
ID info
Life History
Maps
Sounds

Song
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New York, June 17, 2020Recorded by Jay McGowan / Macaulay Library
Song
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West Virginia, May 13, 1998Recorded by Wil Hershberger / Macaulay Library
Song
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Virginia, May 16, 2019Recorded by Darrell Peterson / Macaulay Library
Calls
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New York, June 26, 2020Recorded by Jay McGowan / Macaulay Library
Calls
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New York, September 23, 2018Recorded by Jay McGowan / Macaulay Library
Calls
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New York, May 14, 2020Recorded by Brad Walker / Macaulay Library
Calls
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New Jersey, May 06, 1984Recorded by Dolly Minis / Macaulay Library
Calls
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New York, July 21, 2020Recorded by Jay McGowan / Macaulay Library
Flight calls
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New York, September 10, 2017Recorded by Brad Walker / Macaulay Library
Flight calls
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Maryland, September 19, 1994Recorded by Michael O'Brien

Sounds provided by Macaulay Library.
Listen to more sounds of this species from the ML archive.

Songs

Both males and females sing a rich, sweetly whistled song. The pattern is similar to an American Robin’s song, composed of many notes that alternately rise and fall. Most people describe the grosbeak’s song as sweeter and more melodious than a robin’s. The song can last 6 seconds and consist of 20 notes or syllables. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are one of few bird species reported to sing while sitting on the nest. The female sings when nest-building, incubating, and brooding. The male often sings quietly from the nest and loudly from other high perches.

Calls

Rose-breasted Grosbeaks give short, sharp, penetrating chink calls, sometimes likened to the sound of a sneaker on a gym floor. They also give harsh, repeated squawks when alarmed.