opportunistic target
Evening Grosbeak
Coccothraustes vespertinus
Rare, irregular winter visitor best treated as a lucky flock encounter.
Quick identification
Know the field marks.
- Very large pale bill
- Male is yellow, black, and white with bright eyebrow
- Female is gray with black-and-white wings
Where to look
Woodlands and tree-rich neighborhoods during uncommon winter movements.
Missouri timing
When it may visit.
ColumbiaJan · Feb · Mar · Nov · Dec
St. LouisJan · Feb · Mar · Nov · Dec
Season windows are practical guidance, not a guarantee. Weather and migration vary.
Attraction plan
Improve the odds—without promises.
Ground or platform feeder
No feeder reliably produces this bird; watch reports and stay patient.
- Serve
- Black-oil sunflower
- Place
- Keep a large, clean platform stocked during winter finch movements.
Hopper feeder
Fresh sunflower is the practical best bet.
- Serve
- Black-oil sunflower
- Place
- Use a sturdy feeder with generous landing space.
Care note: Large flocks can crowd a station; spread feeders out and clean more often.
Same station, more possibilities
Related birds.
Learn more
Trusted field references
- Species guide: Evening GrosbeakCornell Lab of Ornithology ↗
- Bird FeedingMissouri Department of Conservation ↗
BirdQuest summary last reviewed 2026-07-20. External sources open in a new tab.