White-winged Crossbill
NameWhite-winged Crossbill
Common NameWhite-winged Crossbill
Scientific NameLoxia leucoptera
FamilyFringillidae
Wingspan (cm)26
Length (cm)16
Weight (g)26
Plumage DetailsAdult males are rosy-red over most of the body, with black wings and tail. Two prominent white wing bars are a key feature. Females are duller, typically yellowish-green or olive-yellow, with black wings and tail, also displaying the distinctive white wing bars.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a rapid series of 'chip-chip-chip' or 'chiff-chiff-chiff' calls, often given in flight or while foraging. Their song is a mix of trills and whistles.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the boreal and subalpine coniferous forests across North America (Alaska, Canada, northern United States) and Eurasia (Siberia, northern Europe).
Identifying Featurescrossed bill, two prominent white wing bars, rosy-red plumage (males), yellowish-green plumage (females), conifer forest habitat
Description
The White-winged Crossbill is a medium-sized finch characterized by its unique crossed bill, adapted for extracting seeds from conifer cones. Males are predominantly rosy-red with striking white wing bars, while females are yellowish-green. These birds are highly nomadic, following cone crops across their boreal forest range.
