Orange Grosbeak?

[finnbay]

Had this fella stop by the feeder yesterday. The strange orange color really caught my attention, and I've only seen him there once. Is this just a color anomaly or is it a stage of molt as a juvie becomes and adult?

[Dbl]

Boy I don't know about the anomaly Ken but that is a way cool shot!

[JayinMN]

Thats a great shot! It looks like its a juvenile getting its adult colors. I saw one like that yesterday in the bog.

[Borealhunter]

There is a sub adult like this one on the Arkola Rd feeder.

[Steve Foss]

I love it, Ken. The calico grosbeak!

[dukhnt]

I know what it is... an awesome photo.

[mnfishingal]

I agree with the others. Pretty pose with her wing up.

I've seen this type of grosbeak before too and understood that the rose-breasted grosbeak and black- headed grosbeak (which is quite orange with the darker black and white wings - although it has a black head) have a tendancy to mate and the outcome produces different color variations. Don't know if its true.

Really neat photo though ...