Evening Grosbeak (Latin Name), West Tucson at the base of Tucson Mountain Park, Pima County

These Evening Grosbeaks were a surprise at Michael Skinner's feeder.   The female appeared on 15 October 2012 followed by the male on 16 October.  The yard is upper sonoran desert scrub and the property butts up to Tucson Mountain Park.

Found in conifer and spruce-fur forest of the higher mountains. It is a casual transient and winter visitor in lower elevations. Has decreased dramatically in most of range over the last several decades. 

The female is a a gray bird with black wings that also have white patches on them. Back of neck has greenish yellow collar. Large head with large pale bill. Short black tail.  Male has a yellow brow that is very distinctive. Large dark head. Short black tail. Yellow body with black wings and large white patch on wings. Larger than a sparrow.

15 October 2012, photo by Michael Skinner

16 October 2012, photo by Michael Skinner

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