The best feeder for pine grosbeaks
An irruptive winter finch — some years it swarms northern feeders, other years it stays in the boreal forest.
Feeder styles that work
An open, stable surface for larger birds and ground-feeders.
Holds a large seed volume with a ledge for mid-sized birds.
What to fill it with
- Black-oil sunflower
- Hulled sunflower
Sizing the feeder to the bird
The Pine Grosbeak measures 7.9–9.8 in and weighs 1.8–2.8 oz. Perches, ports and landing surfaces need to fit that frame — too small and the bird can't feed comfortably, too open and larger birds and squirrels dominate.
Keep it clean
Scrub feeders every two weeks in hot soapy water, soak 10 minutes in a 1:9 bleach solution, rinse and dry before refilling. Rake up hulls underneath.
Frequently asked
What kind of feeder is best for pine grosbeaks?
Platform / tray feeder. An open, stable surface for larger birds and ground-feeders.
What should I put in a feeder for pine grosbeaks?
Black-oil sunflower, Hulled sunflower.
Where should I place a feeder for pine grosbeaks?
An irruptive winter finch — some years it swarms northern feeders, other years it stays in the boreal forest.
Sources
- Pine Grosbeak — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Pine Grosbeak life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Pine Grosbeak — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
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.