White-winged Crossbill

Loxia leucoptera

White-winged Crossbills are true nomads, wandering in large flocks throughout much of the boreal Northern Hemisphere.  While normally found in Canada and Alaska, in the winter, irregular irruptive migrations may bring large flocks deep into the continental United States.  Their unusual crossed bills are extremely effective at opening their favorite food item, the seeds of spruce trees.

Habitat: Nearly always found in conifer forest.  Breeding usually occurs in forests with high densities of spruce trees. 

Diet: Primarily feeds on spruce seeds if they area available.  They will also feed on seeds of other conifers, tree buds, berries, other seeds, and insects.  

Breeding: Non-breeder in South Dakota

Song: Variety of musical chattering and warbling.

Migration: They can be found in all seasons throughout much of Canada, Alaska, and New England.   While not strictly migratory, individual flocks will sometimes move great distances in winter in the search for food, and could possibly be found nearly anywhere (in the proper habitat) in the northern half of the U.S. in winter.

Similar Species: Red Crossbill

Bird Feeders: Will come to feeders for sunflower seeds.

Conservation Status: Difficult to monitor populations because of irregular migration habits, but it's thought numbers rise and fall with the availability of conifer seeds.  There are no major conservation concerns with the species, however, and it is listed as a species of "Least Concern" by the IUCN.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, White-winged Crossbill

2) Cornell Lab of Ornithology - White-winged Crossbill

3) eNature.com: White-winged Crossbill

Photo Information: February 5th, 2012 - Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Sioux Falls, South Dakota - Terry Sohl