#ABArare - Crimson-collared Grosbeak - Texas

While working at Sabal Palm Sanctuary on Feb 12, Seth Patterson was pointing out a Green Jay to some visitors when he noticed an immature Crimson-collared Grosbeak nearby. The sighting took place through a window of the visitor center just before noon.

Crimson-collared Grosbeak eating a coral bean leaf. Photo by Seth Patterson.

This Code 4 species is an endemic of northeast Mexico and occurs in the ABA Area only in Texas as a vagrant. In the winters of 1987-1988 and 2004-2005, Texas experienced small invasions of these grosbeaks.

Sabal Palm Sanctuary is located on the south side of Brownsville, Texas, right along the Rio Grande and the US/Mexico border. It is open 7 AM - 5 PM, seven days a week.There is an admission fee of $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. Half-year and year memberships are also available.