Rose-breasted Grosbeak from video by Lang Elliott

Listen to the beautiful song of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak in this fantastic video.

Lang Elliot filmed this Rose-breasted Grosbeak near Ithaca, New York. Lang talks about the experience in a blog post:

He was so darned cooperative that I imagine someone hired this bird to come sing for me . . . perhaps to celebrate my birthday that passed by just a few days prior.

When I lived in upstate New York, I would see these birds frequently in the yard. I just loved to hear them sing! Lang describes their song:

The song of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak is a lilting musical carol, lasting several seconds and with five to ten seconds of silence between songs. It has been likened to the song of “a Robin who took singing lessons.” Although robin-like, the rich and vibrant quality of the grosbeak’s notes are unmistakable, even when heard at a great distance.

Love that quote: “a Robin who took singing lessons.” See for yourself in the video below!