Michelle Williams | The Rose-breasted Grosbeak

On the day that the latest issue of AnOther Magazine goes on sale, we welcome our beautiful cover star Michelle Williams as our latest guest lover. Over the next two weeks, the actress will be choosing her favourite things and posting them on the AnOther Loves stream, starting with this – a most fitting choice for Valentine’s Day – the Rose-breasted Grosbeak.

Native to North America, this beautiful little bird is famous both for its striking plumage and tuneful song. Customarily arrayed in browns and greys, come spring and the mating season, the adult male sheds his muted feathers and takes on a dramatic costume of black and white, adorned with a splash of pinkish-red over his heart. To attract females, he warbles furiously for hours on end, a sound once described as that of “a robin who has taken singing lessons.” Once paired up, grosbeaks nest together and share incubation duties over the eggs, separating only once their chicks are fledged and grown.

Here, to mark her first Love, we ask Williams to explain why she chose this charming bird:

"The Rose-breasted Grosbeak is my favourite bird to look for come spring. He looks like he's been stabbed in the heart with blood trickling down his chest but he sings an awfully pretty tune."

Click here for all of Michelle William's Loves.