Grosbeak

Grosbeak, a name applied to not a few highly-specialised finches (Fringillidæ), with thick, heavy, seed-crushing bills, 'so high that their upper contours almost form one continuous curve with that of the head.' The European Hawfinch (q.v.) (Coccothraustes vulgaris) and the American Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina) are good examples. But the name is applied to many other birds—e.g. to the Cardinal Grosbeaks (Cardinalis) and the Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Habia ludoviciana).