Spot winged grosbeak female, Bhutan

The spot-winged grosbeak (Mycerobas melanozanthos) is a species of finch in the family Fringillidae, found in middle to higher elevations. It is found in the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. Its range includes Bhutan, India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Thailand, Tibet and Vietnam. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. The male is identified by Slate-grey head, upper breast and upperparts. The underparts are yellow. The female birds have black streaking on the yellow head and body.  This image shows the female bird.

They eat seeds and berries, including cherries. According to Captain Hutton this species “comes to Mussooree in flocks during March and April, and remains as long as it can find plenty of cherry stones to crack, after which it disappears. They have a curious chattering note, and love to sit in the tops of the tallest trees. When at work on a wild cherry tree they are easily detected by the constant cracking sound of the cherrystones, which they never break, but open most dexterously at the joining of the halves. The ground beneath the trees is strewed with the opened shells”. It is classified as least concern by IUCN however and not globally threatened.