Front:
INGION
ALINGTOR
28
1988
25
22219
JSA
Balke
VA
Back:
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK
First Day of Issue: May 28, 1988
First Issue Location: Arlington, Virginia
A loud “peek” heard through the orchard, and a long
whistle-like song are the first signs that the rose-breasted
grosbeak is there. Then, as the black and white bird comes
close enough, a stunning flash of deep rose across its chest
confirms the sighting. As it takes to the air, this lovely
grosbeak displays rose wing linings and a white wing
patch. A member of the finch family, this bird makes its
nest in the elderberry bushes or on a horizontal branch of
aspen or oak. There, the female will lay pale blue eggs
spotted with brown. Among America's best-loved birds,
the rose-breasted grosbeak is found in northern wood-
lands, in the suburbs, and in among the orchard trees. In
fall, the grosbeaks gather in flocks to migrate south for the
winter. En route, they hide in treetops and forego elabo-
rate songs for single short notes. The male, by this time,
has lost his brilliant coloring. But, come spring, the rose-
breasted grosbeak will return again to share his songs.
No. 88-28
©1988 The Maximum Card Collection
A Division of Unicover Corporation • Cheyenne, WY 82008-0007
Original painting by Don Balke
