2 Types of Grosbeaks in Florida! (ID Guide)

What kinds of grosbeaks can you find in Florida?

Common Grosbeaks in Florida

The name “Grosbeak” may imply that their beaks are gross, but they are anything but that.

In actuality, the meaning of the name comes from the Latin words “gros” and “beccus,” meaning “large beaks.” This name is fitting since these beautiful birds rely on their thick bills to crack open nuts and seeds.

Luckily, all types of grosbeaks in Florida visit bird feeders, so you have a good chance of attracting multiple species to your yard. If you’re lucky, you may even see a grosbeak at my bird feeding station right now! I have a LIVE high-definition camera watching my bird feeders 24/7. 🙂

Here are the TWO types of grosbeaks that live in Florida:


#1. Rose-breasted Grosbeak

  • Pheucticus ludovicianus

Types of Grosbeaks found in Florida

Identifying Characteristics:

  • Stocky birds with a large, triangular bill. About the size of an American Robin.
  • Males have black backs and wings, with a distinctive red mark on their white breast.
  • Females are heavily streaked with a white eyebrow and a pale bill.

It’s easy to see how these beautiful grosbeaks got their name. One look at the males, and you’ll immediately notice the bright red plumage topping their white breasts. On the other hand, females can be difficult to identify, as they look similar to many other birds.

Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are common visitors to feeders in Florida!

They use their huge triangular bill to crack open sunflower seeds. I’ve never seen one of these grosbeaks use a tube feeder; I don’t think the perches provide enough space for them. So instead, the best feeders to attract them are hoppers, platforms, or trays.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak Range Map

Rose-breasted Grosbeak males sing to establish territories and attract females. Unfortunately, when the female shows up, the male sometimes plays hard-to-get, rejecting her for a day or two before finally accepting her as a mate! But to make up for this behavior, they give the females a break and help sit on the nest to keep the eggs warm.

Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are known for their beautiful song. It sounds similar to an American Robin but better! Listen for a long series of notes that rise and fall. If you hear one, make sure to look for the male singing from an elevated perch.

YouTube video

#2. Blue Grosbeak

  • Passerina caerulea

Grosbeaks species that live in Florida

Identifying Characteristics:

  • Stocky grosbeak with a huge, triangular bill.
  • Males are deep, rich blue with a tiny black mask in front of the eyes, chestnut wing bars, and a black and silver beak.
  • Females are primarily cinnamon-brown. The color is richer on the head, paler on the underparts; their tails are bluish.

Blue Grosbeaks visit bird feeders in Florida that offer sunflower seeds. To help them feel more protected, place your feeding station near shrubs and other brush. You’ll typically hear them singing before you see them.

Blue Grosbeaks Range Map

Blue Grosbeaks are very shy, especially around humans, which makes them challenging to observe. Interestingly, both males and females have a weird habit of twitching their tails sideways, although the reason for this behavior is unknown.

Blue Grosbeaks have also been known to “sidle,” where they walk sideways along branches, as seen in parrots.

Listen below as the male Blue Grosbeak sings a musical warble that lasts for 2 or 3 seconds.

YouTube video

Which of these grosbeaks have you seen before in Florida?

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To learn more about other birds that live near you, check out these guides!

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11 Comments

  1. I have 3 males and 3 female Red-Breasted Grosbeaks at my feeder today in Palm Harbor, Fl. near Tampa Bay not to be confused with the other side of the State. Has anyone seen any blue ones in this area?

  2. I’m in Venice, FL. For the first time, I saw a beautiful male, rose breasted grosbeak at my birdfeeder, yesterday, May 3, 2023.

  3. I live Sebring, FL i had a male rose breasted grosbeak in my backyard feeder today.

  4. I have a RBG make at my feeder he’s been around for a month now! I’m in a Santa Rosa Beach, FL

  5. Rose-breasted grosbeak in our yard today, in Dunedin, FL. Observing the birds at feeders but have not seen him visit them yet, likely because they are filled with safflower seed, to discourage squirrels.

  6. I had a flock of 10 or 12 rose breasted grosbeaks yesterday, 4 of which were male. They were eating sunflower seeds i had thrown on the ground.They are stunning! Ft. Myers. Fl

  7. I live in Pensacola Florida and this is the first time I have seen the blue grosbeak and the rose breasted grosbeak on my feeders. It is cooler than average this year, so I’m assuming that might have something to do with it. They are absolutely beautiful birds.

    1. I live in pensacola florida too. First time I have ever seen a rose breasted grosbeak at my feeder was today.