Rose-breasted Grosbeaks in Alberta
When rose-breasted grosbeaks are present in Alberta, when they nest, which native Alberta plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 2a–4b yard.
- Status in Alberta
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- June–July
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 2a–4b
When to expect rose-breasted grosbeaks in Alberta
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are summer residents in Alberta, arriving shortly before nesting begins in June and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on beetles, caterpillars and bees.
Continental — prairie in the southeast, aspen parkland in the center, boreal forest in the north and the Rockies in the west.
Nesting in Alberta
Across Alberta, rose-breasted grosbeaks typically nest from June–July. Nest site: flimsy twig cup in deciduous trees 5–15 ft up. Females lay 1–5 eggs, incubate for 11–14 days, and young leave the nest after 9–12 days.
Warm, sunny summers with long days.
- Rose-breasted Grosbeaks don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as smooth sumac, paper birch, pin cherry for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native Alberta plants that attract rose-breasted grosbeaks
Of the regional native plants we track for Alberta, these 8 provide food or cover rose-breasted grosbeaks use:
Red fruit heads hang on through winter.
Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.
Prolific seed heads for finches and sparrows.
Annual native sunflower — the original feeder seed.
Native bunchgrass; winter seed and ground cover for sparrows and juncos.
Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.
Fast-growing northern cherry with midsummer fruit.
Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.
Feeding rose-breasted grosbeaks through the Alberta year
A brief spring feeder visitor in the south; stays to nest in northern deciduous woods.
- Best foods: Black-oil sunflower, Safflower.
- In Alberta's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Full diet breakdown for rose-breasted grosbeaks · Best feeder for rose-breasted grosbeaks
Frequently asked
Are rose-breasted grosbeaks in Alberta year-round?
No. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are summer breeders in Alberta and leave for the winter.
When do rose-breasted grosbeaks nest in Alberta?
Nesting in Alberta typically runs June–July, with 1–2 per season. Clutches are 1–5 eggs, incubated for 11–14 days.
What native plants attract rose-breasted grosbeaks in Alberta?
Smooth sumac, Wild bergamot, Black-eyed Susan, Common sunflower, Little bluestem, Paper birch, Pin cherry, Chokecherry are native plants in Alberta that provide food or cover for rose-breasted grosbeaks.
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks in other regions
Other backyard birds in Alberta
Sources
- Rose-breasted Grosbeak — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Rose-breasted Grosbeak life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Rose-breasted Grosbeak — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Alberta
- Plant Hardiness Zones of Canada — Natural Resources Canada
- Audubon Native Plants Database
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.