Finches · Perching birds
White-winged Crossbill
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Loxia leucoptera
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Voice
Call
Song
Call
How to recognize it
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14.5–17 cm long; short legs, forked tail
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Two clear white bars on the dark wing
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Adult males: head, breast and rump pink in late autumn and winter, vivid red in spring and summer; females: greenish-yellow head and upperparts
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Crossed bill tips; often feeds on cones
About the species
An adult male has a raspberry-red head and upperparts, while the female is greenish yellow above; both show two bright white bars across dark wings. The bill’s tips cross, and the tail ends in a shallow fork. Those white bars usually distinguish it from the Red Crossbill, although some Red Crossbills show faint ones.
That crossed bill helps it work seeds out of conifer cones. Males give long, high whistles during courtship, and a short, high chip call is another part of its voice. Outside the breeding season, it gathers in flocks, sometimes mixed with other crossbills.
It lives and breeds in coniferous forests, with larch among its favored trees; larch cones provide its main food. It also eats rowan berries and, in North America, seeds from hemlock and white spruce cones. Usually resident, it may move south when food runs short.
Where to find
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In northern Eurasian conifer forests, especially among larches, the White-winged Crossbill pulls seeds from cones — watch for movement among the branches.
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In northern forest areas, look around rowan trees for berry feeding.
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In breeding areas, scan conifer trunks 2–20 metres above the ground for nests, usually placed close to the trunk.
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During courtship in conifer forests, listen for the males' long, high whistles.
