Golden grosbeak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Golden grosbeak |
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| Male in Ecuador | |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Pheucticus
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| Species: |
chrysogaster
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The golden grosbeak (Pheucticus chrysogaster) is a colorful bird. It's also known as the golden-bellied grosbeak or southern yellow grosbeak. This bird is part of the Cardinalidae family, which includes cardinals and buntings. It looks a lot like the yellow grosbeak.
You can find golden grosbeaks in countries like Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela. They live in warm places like dry forests, moist mountain forests, and shrublands. They can also be found in areas where forests have been changed by people.
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About the Golden Grosbeak Family
The golden grosbeak belongs to a bird family called Cardinalidae. This family also includes well-known birds like cardinals and buntings. The golden grosbeak's specific group, or genus, is Pheucticus. This name means "shy" in Greek. There are six types of birds in this group today.
Scientists used to think the golden grosbeak was the same species as the black-thighed grosbeak and the yellow grosbeak. They were all called the yellow grosbeak. But now, thanks to new studies, we know they are different species. The golden grosbeak is actually more closely related to the black-backed grosbeak.
This bird has a few different English names, like southern yellow grosbeak and golden-bellied grosbeak. But "golden grosbeak" is now the most common name used by bird experts.
What Does a Golden Grosbeak Look Like?
The golden grosbeak is about 21 cm (8.3 in) long. It has a large, cone-shaped beak, which is typical for birds in its family. The males and females look different, which is called being sexually dimorphic.
Male Golden Grosbeaks
Male golden grosbeaks are very bright. They have a sunny yellow body with black wings and a black back. They also have white spots on their wings. These spots can fade over time, so older males might look a bit darker.
Female and Young Golden Grosbeaks
Female golden grosbeaks have brown wings. They also have brown streaks on their head, sides, back, and rump. Young golden grosbeaks look very similar to the females. It can be hard to tell them apart in nature.
Golden Grosbeak Behavior and Habitat
You can find these birds living at high elevations, up to 3000 meters (about 9,800 feet). They live in many different kinds of places, including open areas, forest edges, and shrublands.
Golden grosbeaks spend most of their time in trees. They are often seen alone or in pairs.
Golden Grosbeak Songs and Calls
The song of the golden grosbeak is described as a fast, beautiful melody. It sounds "rich, liquid, and full." Each bird has many different songs it can sing. Their call is a metallic sound, like a "pink!"
Conservation Status
The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) says the golden grosbeak is a species of Least Concern. This means they are not worried about this bird becoming endangered. The golden grosbeak lives in a large area, and its population size is stable.
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