Species: Black-and-yellow Grosbeak - Mycerobas icterioides – Male
Date: 25th Sept. 2013
Coordinates: 30.43 N 78.22 E
Altitude: 2365 M
Location: Buranskhanda, Uttrakhand, India
Habitat: Road side
Status: Least Concern
Remarks: This striking large finch, colored ashy black and aureolin yellow always delights you when it appears while birding in the hills of Mussoorie. While the Collared Grosbeak (Mycerobas affinis) and Spot-winged Grosbeak (Mycerobas melanozanthos) are winter visitors and share the habitat at places, this is the only resident Grosbeak here. Nest built of loosely arranged twigs, dry leaves and moss was observed in June 2012 at the Eco Park at Dhanaulti. It was placed in the open about 20 meters up on a Deodar branch, not surprising it was found abandoned a few days later or eggs were poached by numerous rhesus monkeys that dwell the park. Out of breeding season, the birds show up in groups foraging the crown for seeds from acorns of Deodar trees (Cedrus deodara). During breeding they show up in pairs by the road side and in terraced fields in May-June, their bill then is noticeably greener.
These birds have varied food habits, while the seeds of the fir seem to be their favorite food when available, they have been seen feeding on mollusks and snails. Here on this day we found this male by the roadside peeling off the head of a 'Falconer's Thistle'. He diligently worked on the bristled pappus gobbling up the tender florets for morning meal.
Regards,Gunjan
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