Rose-breasted Grosbeaks in Newfoundland and Labrador
When rose-breasted grosbeaks are present in Newfoundland and Labrador, when they nest, which native Newfoundland and Labrador plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 0a–6b yard.
- Status in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- June–July
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 0a–6b
When to expect rose-breasted grosbeaks in Newfoundland and Labrador
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are summer residents in Newfoundland and Labrador, arriving shortly before nesting begins in June and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on beetles, caterpillars and bees.
Cool maritime on the island of Newfoundland; subarctic in Labrador.
Nesting in Newfoundland and Labrador
Across Newfoundland and Labrador, 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.
Cool summers; nesting often starts in June.
- Rose-breasted Grosbeaks don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as winterberry, eastern white pine, paper birch for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native Newfoundland and Labrador plants that attract rose-breasted grosbeaks
Of the regional native plants we track for Newfoundland and Labrador, these 8 provide food or cover rose-breasted grosbeaks use:
Deciduous holly holding red fruit into mid-winter.
Seed-rich cones and year-round shelter.
Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.
Among the first spring bloomers; early insects for returning migrants.
Fast-growing northern cherry with midsummer fruit.
Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.
White fruit and red winter stems; good thicket cover.
Red fruit persists until late winter when other food is gone.
Feeding rose-breasted grosbeaks through the Newfoundland and Labrador year
A brief spring feeder visitor in the south; stays to nest in northern deciduous woods.
- Best foods: Black-oil sunflower, Safflower.
- In Newfoundland and Labrador'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 Newfoundland and Labrador year-round?
No. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are summer breeders in Newfoundland and Labrador and leave for the winter.
When do rose-breasted grosbeaks nest in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Nesting in Newfoundland and Labrador 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 Newfoundland and Labrador?
Winterberry, Eastern white pine, Paper birch, Red maple, Pin cherry, Chokecherry, Red-osier dogwood, Highbush cranberry are native plants in Newfoundland and Labrador that provide food or cover for rose-breasted grosbeaks.
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks in other regions
Other backyard birds in Newfoundland and Labrador
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 — Newfoundland and Labrador
- 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.