Following fall migration routes, songbirds are coming through Florida. Some are on their way to Central and South America; others will make our state their winter home. Pictures shared by an FWF member captured some songbirds making good use of a bird bath and feeders this October.
The male rose-breasted grosbeak (pictured with a house finch) has a distinct large bill and red patch on its breast, which turns a bright rose color in adult males. They migrate through Florida to Central and South America, often stopping at feeders for seeds and nuts, and of course visiting bird baths. This grosbeak has a lovely, robin-like song, admired by many.
Female summer tanagers (pictured with house finches) vary in color from orange to greenish; adult males are bright red. Tanagers can be seen in many Florida counties as they move south to Central and South America. In the eastern United States, their likely habitat is deciduous and pine-oak forests and during migration they also stop in parks, gardens and beach ridges. Tanagers eat fruit and a variety of insects, especially wasps and bees.
Special thanks to FWF member Pamela Shank for sharing these photos!
More information on these and other birds can be found at All About Birds.
