BirdBytes - Rose Breasted Grosbeaks Are Champion Biters

#birds
Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks are a cardinal ally, with a bite to match. They're also one of a few species that's been documented exhibiting bilateral gynandromorphism, one of the more bizarre things birds sometimes do.
All birds depicted in this video are wild birds caught, banded and handled by permitted and trained professionals, and are released immediately after filming. Where possible, multiple similar birds are used to minimize individual handling times.
Video by Shane Abernethy
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[@jerrysmith5782]

I understand the necessity to restrain birds during banding, but showing birds on KZbin being restrained (by "pinching"their legs between your fingers) sends the message to children that it's OK to do that to birds (or all animals?). How would you like it if a giant picked you up and restrained you like that?

[@BBOBiologist]

Thank you for your comment, Jerry; we appreciate your concern. Our biologists are trained to safely restrain birds in many grips, like the one shown in the video, and to monitor for signs of stress when handling them. We assure you that bird safety is our number one concern and that the birds are released if they show any signs of stress during handling. Our BirdBytes videos are educational videos to engage children and adults alike in our natural world.

[@jerrysmith5782]

​@@BBOBiologistIf they are biting, that IS a sign of stress, and, as the narrator said: "they always bite us". But my expressed concern was not about stress or safety...it was about the message that you are sending by unnecessarily restraining and displaying the birds as if they were things rather than sentient creatures. Again, how would you like it if you were abducted, restrained, and splayed you out against your will, in the name of "education"? And where do you draw a line on this kind of behavior? Is it ok to treat all animals this way? How about humans? Or are you trying to teach that it's OK to treat other animals this way but just not humans, because humans have a God-given right to dominion over animals, and therefore we don't have to treat them with dignity?

[@spookycupcake9647]

I agree. I've handled birds my entire life and I would NEVER restrain them this way. The bird is clearly stressed. I reported the video for animal abuse.

[@Sherralyn]

I had three of them on my feeder today (first week of May, Atlanta GA.). My husband and I have had a feeding station out for three years, this is the first time seeing them. It made my day!!

[@bopyranks]

They were a bit of a nemesis bird for me, until I finally saw an immature male on an Audubon trip at a local preserve. Still hoping to see one in its full glory. ❤ Very unique and lovely birds. Thanks for the video and the work you do.

[@Corvusyourbeans]

Seen my first rose breasted grosbeak with week and almost mistook for a cardinal! Informative video thank you 👏

[@rogercarroll1663]

Great presentation. Give both the presented and the presenter and Emmy.

[@Chris_Wolfgram]

Wow, super interesting. LOVE these birds. Bummer we don't have them on the West coast, but I'm glad I got to see / photo them on my recent trip to South Padre Island Texas :)

[@shabernethy]

Your videos are always informative and entertaining. Thanks!😃

[@amandaferris1341]

Had one of these beautiful birds show up to my feeders yesterday!

[@sanaalolz2529]

Almost 3 years ago I saw a rose breasted grosbeak on the ground and I was about to step on it by accident and I saw that he was hopping with a broken wing so my mom caught him with her jacket and ever since then, he’s been living in our home and loves it here

[@jessabe918]

Ouch! So beautiful. I love how unique they are! Love these videos. They make my week!

[@azkalot1]

That a beautiful bird!!

[@JackiMareena]

I FINALLY attracted one to my feeder ❤️❤️ I love them

[@bradclem6226]

How r u catching them ?

[@janicefiamengo993]

I'd bite you too if you were holding me down against my will as you are doing to the poor bird.

[@yourenough3]

Ive been feeding the birds everyday for 2 years and ive only seen one of these , wonder why ??

[@ZMandoness66]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! I LOVE THIS 💘

[@bradclem6226]

They r my favorite bird they have been coming to my feeders now for 3 yrs and I noticed, wtf is going on? When I seen one with the male red throat and the brown female body I told the wife this bird is a freak of nature r something she laughed your crazy but I guess I was right for a change. I love the evening grosbeaks they r beautiful but he has only came one time to the feeder and I’ve never seen it again☹️ I am in Ky.

[@joekosciol2576]

This is awesome ❤!

[@johnbirman5840]

Amusing... and weird re the grosbeak that it is. You’re funny.

[@carlahager]

I have a male making a nest in my chimney.lol well I guess it's a male because it may be intersex??? Well they are beautiful and we just started getting them a few years ago!

[@t.k3025]

Way to stress wildlife.

[@CB-os7tl]

Let that bird go.

[@pocketsurprise3805]

Impossible to be both male and female biologically.

[@quagmiredavis4117]

Sooooo its a Kaitlyn Jenner birdy aka chick with a stick ...lmao 😂