Grossbeak, Grosbeak

n. (Zool.) A genus of birds, family Fringillid a. There are a great variety of birds belonging to this genus, and their general appearance is very similar to birds of the Finch kind. They are distinguished by a strong and thick bill, by means of which they are enabled to break the stones of cherries and other fruit with the greatest facility. In general they are a shy, solitary race, chiefly residing at a disItance from the abodes of man. Their feet have three toes before and one behind; and their food generally consists of fruits and seeds. Among the American species are the Evening G., Hes per i phon a Vesper tina, and the Pine G., Pinicola Can a dens is. The varieties in the color of this bird are white, yellowish-gray, and gray; the wings and tail are often white, and the plumage generally partakes of that color. The nest which the female builds is one of the prettiest kind, being colored and decorated with all kinds of brilliantly tinted mo es, and lined inside with down and feathers. The eggs are of a bluish-green color, with brown spots. The bird is generally about seven inches long; it has no song worthy of notice. Gro e Pointe, in Michigan, a township of Wayne co. Gro etete Bayou, in Louisiana, a small river of Point Coupee parish. Gro '-headed, a. Obtuse; stupid; chuckle-headed; having a thick skull.