The common name “grosbeak” refers to several species of finches found in North America. However, there is some debate over whether the correct spelling is “grosbeak” or “grossbeak”. Both spellings have been used interchangeably for many years. In this article, we will examine the history behind this name, look at usages in reference books and scientific publications, and provide recommendations on which spelling is preferred today.
What is a Grosbeak?
Grosbeaks are medium-sized finches characterized by their large, conical bills. There are several species found in North America, including:
- Rose-breasted Grosbeak
- Black-headed Grosbeak
- Blue Grosbeak
- Evening Grosbeak
They are seed-eating birds that use their powerful bills to crack open seeds and fruit. The Evening Grosbeak is particularly adapted to eating box elder and maple seeds. Male grosbeaks are often brightly colored black, orange, and yellow. Their large bills and colorful plumage make them stand out among other backyard birds.
Grosbeaks get their common name from the French “gros bec” meaning “large beak”. This refers to their distinctive bill shape compared to other finches. The scientific names of grosbeaks come from the genus Pheucticus.
History of the Name
The first recorded use of “grosbeak” in English comes from the 1758 edition of Systema Naturae by Carl Linnaeus. He Latinized the French name to Pheucticus ludovicianus for the Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
In early American ornithology texts in the late 1700s and early 1800s, the spelling was inconsistent. Thomas Nuttall used “gross-beak” in his 1832 book A Manual of the Ornithology of the United States.
However, in later editions he switched to “grosbeak”. Other early uses include John James Audubon’s “gros-beak” and Spencer Fullerton Baird’s “grosbeak” in works from the 1840s.
By the late 1800s, most major ornithology references had standardized on “grosbeak”. For example, the American Ornithologists’ Union used “grosbeak’ in its 1886 and 1895 checklists. Elliott Coues used “grosbeak” in his 1903 Key to North American Birds.
This history indicates that while early spellings varied, “grosbeak” became the dominant form in the late 19th century.
Modern Usage
Among modern ornithological sources, “grosbeak” remains the standard spelling. Major field guides show a clear preference:
- National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America (7th Edition, 2011) uses “grosbeak”
- The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America (2nd Edition, 2016) uses “grosbeak”
- Peterson Field Guide to Birds of North America (1st Edition, 2008) uses “grosbeak”
Scientific journals and databases have also converged on this spelling. A search of the American Ornithological Society publications shows 1,958 results for “grosbeak” vs. just 16 for “grossbeak”. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s All About Birds site consistently uses “grosbeak” for these species accounts.
Many birdwatching resources and organizations use this spelling as well:
- The Audubon Society
- The Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- eBird
There are a few exceptions. Some older books use “grossbeak”, including Birds of America (1936) and Song and Garden Birds of North America (1964). But modern reprints and new editions tend to use “grosbeak”.
Overall, contemporary sources show a strong preference for “grosbeak” when referring to these North American finches. It has become the accepted spelling over the past 150 years.
Recommendations on Usage
Based on its wide usage in reference books and publications, “grosbeak” is the recommended spelling for the common name of these finches. Some key reasons to use this form include:
- It is consistent with almost all modern field guides and ornithological sources.
- Taxonomic authorities like the American Ornithological Society utilize this spelling.
- “Grosbeak” has been accepted usage for over a century, while “grossbeak” is now rarely used.
- It mirrors the French origins of “gros bec” meaning “large beak”.
For writers, editors, scientists, and birdwatchers, “grosbeak” is clearly the conventional choice when referring to these species. Using this standard form avoids confusion and keeps consistency across different texts. While “grossbeak” has historical precedent, it has largely fallen out of favor and use in recent decades.
The Rose-breasted Grosbeak may be the most familiar of these finches to many backyard birders. Whether you are reporting casual observations or writing a scientific paper, be sure to use “Rose-breasted Grosbeak”. For all other species like the Evening Grosbeak, the same spelling rule applies.
In summary, “grosbeak” is preferred in modern usage when referring to North American finches like the Rose-breasted Grosbeak or Black-headed Grosbeak. It has become the conventional spelling that aligns with leading ornithology sources. So whenever you mention a grosbeak, you can follow the dominant trend and simply spell it “grosbeak”.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was “grossbeak” used originally if “grosbeak” is preferred now?
Early ornithologists used varying spellings including “gross-beak” and “gros-beak” when first naming and describing these birds. Standardized spellings did not become common until reference books like bird field guides were widely published in the late 19th century. Over time, the consensus settled on “grosbeak” to match the original French meaning.
Are there any species where “grossbeak” is still used?
No, all modern references use “grosbeak” for the recognized species like Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Black-headed Grosbeak, Evening Grosbeak, etc. There are no cases in contemporary ornithology where “grossbeak” remains the standard spelling.
Why don’t scientific names reflect this spelling debate?
The scientific (Latin) names like Pheucticus ludovicianus are fixed by the original publication and follow different rules than common names. Common names in field guides and publications have adapted the spelling over time while the scientific names have stayed consistent.
Are there other bird names where people commonly mix up spellings?
Yes, another example is the Cactus/Cactus Wren which is often misspelled. Many bird names can be a source of confusion, but reference books provide guidance on the proper spellings. Over time, consensus forms around the preferred version.
What should I do if I see “grossbeak” used in an older book or article?
Some older publications did use “grossbeak” and these should not necessarily be corrected. But for new writing, it’s best to just use the standard modern spelling of “grosbeak” to align with current ornithological sources. If citing an older text that uses “grossbeak”, you can clarify that as an archaic or alternative spelling.
Conclusion
The question of grosbeak vs. grossbeak spelling emerges from early inconsistencies in ornithological texts. While both were used historically, contemporary sources show a clear preference for “grosbeak” when referring to North American finches. This aligns with modern field guides and publications from ornithological authorities. For accuracy and consistency, writers should use the “grosbeak” spelling for these species in all new writing. When in doubt, check a recent bird reference or field guide to confirm the most standard usage of bird names.