White-winged crossbill
Loxia leucoptera
Identification Tips:
- Length: 5.75 inches
- Bill with crossed tips
- White wing bars
- Short, forked tail
- Distinctive call note often given in flight
- Most often found in coniferous trees
- Often found in flocks
Male:
- Red head and body
- Blackish wings and tail
Female:
- Dull gray plumage
- Dull yellow crown, breast and rump
- Dark streaks on breast
- Juvenile resembles female but is more heavily streaked
Similar species:
The Red Crossbill is similar to the White-winged Crossbill but lacks wing
bars and has a larger bill.
Length and wingspan from: Robbins, C.S., Bruun, B., Zim, H.S., (1966). Birds of North America. New York: Western Publishing Company, Inc.