Crimson-collared Grosbeak

The crimson-collared grosbeak (Rhodothraupis celaeno) is a medium-size seed- and leaf-eating bird in the same family as the northern cardinal, Cardinalidae.

The crimson-collared grosbeak is primarily found in north-eastern Mexico from central Nuevo León and central Tamaulipas south to northern Veracruz; however, it occasionally strays into the Rio Grande Valley of southern Texas, mostly in winter.

This bird is 20.2-23.5 cm in length. It probably weighs about 60 g, but it is unknown. Mature males have black plumage with a dull red or pinkish red "collar" on the nape, shoulders, and belly (much like the crimson-collared tanager); the belly is mottled with black. Mature females have a black head and breast like males but greenish upperparts and yellowish underparts. Young birds are similar to females but have less black. The beak is black, big and stubby, with the upper mandible jutting roughly perpendicular to the forehead.