Rose-breasted X Black-headed Grosbeak hybrid -- LARIMER

[Joe Kipper]

Hello Birders,

This morning multiple people reported a Rose-breasted Grosbeak at the northwest corner of the CSU Environmental Learning Center in Fort Collins.

When I chased the bird this afternoon, I found a grosbeak singing softly in the same area it was first reported, and at first I thought it was a Rose-breasted. However, once I got better looks and other birders started arriving, it became apparent that the bird was a hybrid!! Multiple people saw the bird this afternoon, but I don't think many got photos, so I thought I would share this with the birding community. It is a very intriguing individual, and I'm sure other hybrids similar to this one can potentially be seen along the Front Range. Photos and a more in depth description of the bird are on the checklist below.

https://ebird.org/checklist/S68624832 

Happy Migration!

Joe Kipper,

Fort Collins

[Caleb A]

Really intriguing find, Joe!

Did you by chance hear what it sounded like? And if so, which species was it more reminiscent of?

The birds are happy, and so am I

~Caleb Alons, Larimer County

[Joe Kipper]

Yes, Caleb, interesting thoughts. I listened closely to it, but it was singing softly. Both species have songs that are so similar that I couldn't tell. If I were able to hear it call, that would have been interesting, because each species does have a distinctive call note. Unfortunately, it never called while I was there. I did not think to record it either.
Joe Kipper
Fort Collins