Coccothraustes vespertinus
L 8" (20 cm).

Song or calls:
Loud, strident call: “clee-ip” or “peeer.” “Tchew tchew tchew” given in flight.

more images

photo by Phil Swanson

Description: Plump, with heavy conical bill. Bill is pale yellow or greenish by spring, and whitish by fall. Black tail and wings; prominent white patch on inner wing. Yellow wing linings. Adult male has yellow forehead and eyebrow; dark brown face, back, and throat; yellow lower back and underparts. Female is grayish-tan overall, with thin dark whisker stripe; white-tipped tail; and two white wing patches. Second white wing patch is conspicuous in flight. Juveniles have brown bills.

Habitat: Usually found in streamside woodlands with seed-bearing deciduous trees. Occasionally appears at residential bird feeders.

Where in Nebraska: Irregular and rare winter visitor across the state, but most often seen in Panhandle.

Status: Winter numbers vary greatly from year to year. Range appears to be expanding in the eastern U.S.

Fun Facts: Bill is bone colored in winter.