Day 222: Step out on the back porch, and the sound of the chirps is deafening. Even inside, it's loud. Would I trade it for all the tea in China? Not on your life! I love my "parrots," both the Black-headed Grosbeaks (above, male on the left, female on the right) and the Evening Grosbeaks. They are out in full force, educating their young into the fine art of getting my attention when the feeders are running low. "See? If you sit next to the window and stare at her, she'll get up and bring more." Am I well-trained? Absolutely!
Both species (Pheucticus melanocephalus and Hesperiphona vespertinus) exhibit sexual dimorphism, i.e., males and females are different colours. The females' drab plumage make them less noticeable to predators. Young birds are also less brightly coloured than the adults. True feather colours come in with the first moult.
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