Grosbeak vs. Cardinal

Rose-breasted Grosbeak with a sunflower seed.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak with a sunflower seed.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Each Spring we have a few Rose-breasted Grosbeaks (Pheucticus ludovicianus) that stop by for a quick snack from our bird feeders before they continue on their way north to their breeding grounds. They are usually here for a week or less.

Bill to bill with Grosbeak vs. Cardinal

Bill to bill with Grosbeak vs. Cardinal

Northern Cardinals  (Cardinalis cardinalis) usually “rule the roost” at our bird feeders. They manage to chase off the smaller birds and help themselves to the sunflower seeds, This Cardinal was quite surprised to encounter a strange-looking competitor at the feeder. First they faced off in a bill-to-bill staring match.

Grosbeak wins Round 1

Grosbeak wins Round 1

The Cardinal tried some intimidation with spread wings and open beak. The Grosbeak was undaunted and sent the Cardinal packing. Round one to the Grosbeak!

Aerial attack by the Cardinal

Aerial attack by the Cardinal

The Cardinal then tried an aerial attack, but this was stoutly resisted by the Grosbeak, who refused to vacate its perch.

Grosbeak wins the final Round

Grosbeak wins the final Round

This time the Cardinal left for good. Round two and the match to the Grosbeak!

Comments

Grosbeak vs. Cardinal — 5 Comments

  1. Thanks for this beautiful display of Cardinal and Grosbeak.This scenario happens at our feeders also.This year we had 6 grosbeaks,3 males and 3 females visit the feeders from May 20 to May 30. Mayweather and Pacquiao have nothing on these two birds. .

    Brenda Hall

  2. Daddy!! Those are really incredible pictures! How on earth did you take them?

  3. Enjoyed the Grosbeak and Carinal photos. Interesting to see the duel for the food. Thanks