Rose-breasted Grosbeaks in Northwest Territories
When rose-breasted grosbeaks are present in Northwest Territories, when they nest, which native Northwest Territories plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 0a–1a yard.
- Status in Northwest Territories
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- June–July
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 0a–1a
When to expect rose-breasted grosbeaks in Northwest Territories
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are summer residents in Northwest Territories, arriving shortly before nesting begins in June and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on beetles, caterpillars and bees.
Subarctic boreal forest in the south, Arctic tundra in the north.
Nesting in Northwest Territories
Across Northwest Territories, 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.
Brief summers with midnight sun.
- Rose-breasted Grosbeaks don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as paper birch, pin cherry, chokecherry for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native Northwest Territories plants that attract rose-breasted grosbeaks
Of the regional native plants we track for Northwest Territories, these 8 provide food or cover rose-breasted grosbeaks use:
Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.
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.
Saskatoon berries ripen in early summer.
Spruce-budworm habitat and dense winter roosting cover.
Cone crops drive winter irruptions of finches and crossbills.
Feeding rose-breasted grosbeaks through the Northwest Territories year
A brief spring feeder visitor in the south; stays to nest in northern deciduous woods.
- Best foods: Black-oil sunflower, Safflower.
- In Northwest Territories'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 Northwest Territories year-round?
No. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are summer breeders in Northwest Territories and leave for the winter.
When do rose-breasted grosbeaks nest in Northwest Territories?
Nesting in Northwest Territories 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 Northwest Territories?
Paper birch, Pin cherry, Chokecherry, Red-osier dogwood, Highbush cranberry, Western serviceberry, Balsam fir, White spruce are native plants in Northwest Territories that provide food or cover for rose-breasted grosbeaks.
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks in other regions
Other backyard birds in Northwest Territories
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 — Northwest Territories
- 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.