The golden grosbeak, also known as golden-bellied grosbeak or southern yellow grosbeak, is a species of grosbeak in the family Cardinalidae. It is similar to, and has sometimes been considered conspecific with, the yellow grosbeak.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs along the western Andean slopes and intermontane valleys of western South America, especially in dry to semi-humid scrub, deciduous woodland, and edges of secondary forest. It frequents agricultural mosaics, orchards, and gardens near natural habitat. Birds often follow riparian corridors and shrub-choked ravines. The species is generally common where suitable shrub cover and fruiting/seed-bearing plants are abundant.
Altitude Range
300–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The golden grosbeak is a robust cardinalid with a powerful, conical bill that easily cracks hard seeds. Males are strikingly yellow with bold white wing patches, while females are duller and more olive-yellow. It has often been compared with, and previously lumped with, the yellow grosbeak of Mexico but is now treated as a separate South American species. Its rich, whistled song carries far from exposed perches along Andean valleys.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with strong, direct flights
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small family groups, singing from exposed treetops or utility wires. Territorial during the breeding season, with cup nests placed in shrubs or small trees. Both parents typically attend the nest and feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rich, mellow series of whistled phrases reminiscent of a robin or oriole, clear and far-carrying. Calls include sharp metallic chips and short clinks given in flight or when alarmed.
Plumage
Males are bright golden-yellow with contrasting black wings and tail showing bold white patches and wingbars; back may be yellow to olive-tinged. Females are duller olive-yellow with more subdued wing markings and some faint streaking on upperparts. Both sexes have a massive, pale horn-colored conical bill.
Diet
Primarily eats seeds and fruits, using its powerful bill to crack husks and pods. It also takes buds and flowers seasonally. Insects and other arthropods are consumed more frequently during the breeding period to feed nestlings.
Preferred Environment
Forages in midstory shrubs, fruiting trees, forest edges, and scrubby hillsides. It readily visits orchards and gardens with seeding or fruiting plants and sometimes descends to the ground to pick fallen seeds.
