Crimson-collared Grosbeak
Rhodothraupis celaeno
| Length: 9 inches | Wingspan: 12.5 inches | Seasonality: Non-resident in South Dakota |
| ID Keys: Dark hood on both males and females, deep red and dark wings and tail on male, yellow-green body on female | ||
The
Crimson-collared Grosbeak is a species with a very small geographic range in
eastern Mexico. In the United States, they are rare visitors to
southern Texas, where most birds have been seen during the winter months.
The first sighting occurred in 1974, and several sightings have occurred
since then. It is a little studied species, with much to be learned
about habits, diet, and breeding behavior.
Habitat: Found in forested areas, woodland edges, and brushy thickets.
Diet: Feeds on fruit, berries, leaves, and insects. Exact dietary preferences are uncertain. May feed heavily on the leaves of a particularly shrubby nightshade species.
Behavior: When feeding on leaves and fruits, may be quite sedentary while foraging, lingering in one location and periodically feeding.
Nesting: The nest of a Crimson-collared Grosbeak is a cup of grasses, twigs, and other vegetation, usually placed in a shrub or small tree. The female lays 2 or 3 eggs.
Song: Song is a sweet hearty warbling that accelerates and rises in pitch towards the end.
Migration: Considered a permanent resident throughout its range. Birds seen in the U.S. have mostly been seen in the winter, so some short-distance movement after the breeding season may occur.
Interactive eBird Map: Click here to access an interactive eBird map of Crimson Collared Grosbeak sightings
Similar Species: Distinctive if seen well. Most likely to be confused with the Black-headed Grosbeak.
Conservation Status: Despite the very small geographic range, populations are strong enough and stable that the IUCN lists the Crimson-collared Grosbeak as a species of "Least Concern".
Further Information: 1) BirdLife International - Crimson-collared Grosbeak
2) WhatBird - Crimson-collared Grosbeak
3) Records of Crimson-collared Grosbeak from Texas
Photo Information: Painting is public domain image, from "Biologia Central-Americana" by John Gerrard Keulemans (1842-1912). Image dates from 1902 publication.
| Click below for a higher-resolution map |
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| South Dakota Status: Non-resident in South Dakota |
Additional Crimson-collared Grosbeak Photos (coming soon!!)
