Pine grosbeak are one of the largest members of the true finch family. They are frugivores that favour Rowan berries and nest in the huge pine trees of boreal forests here in northern Sweden.
We are currently seeing them in single pairs or small groups of pairs, as they flit between the ground and tree tops feeding. Their bright colours are striking against a snowy backdrop. We took the photo below of a pair recently in one of our trees.
These birds are present throughout the year; being a subarctic-resident. They are more common in the higher ranges of the north but spread out lower down and further south in search of food. Often in huge numbers termed irruptions.