White-winged Crossbill

The White-winged Crossbill is a bird native to the boreal forests of Northern United States and Canada. These birds remain in flocks throughout the year, even during the nesting season. They use their unique crossed bills to pry open spruce cones for the seeds inside. These nomadic birds are known to travel pretty far south during irruption years, in search of food for the winter. 

White-winged Crossbill Range Map

Range map courtesy of All About Birds, Cornell Institute of Ornithology

Identifying features of this bird are their crossed bill and two bold wingbars. Males are bright pinkish/red with black tail and wings while females are yellowish in color with streaky backs and bellies.  Juveniles are yellowish in color with streaking throughout their body.

Adult Female White-winged Crossbill

Image courtesy of All About Birds, Cornell Institute of Ornithology

Juvenile White-winged Crossbill

Image courtesy of All About Birds, Cornell Institute of Ornithology

These birds build nests in the boreal forests, typically in a spruce tree. They nest in late winter, mainly, but have been recorded nesting in all months whenever food is plentiful. They can have 2-4 eggs per clutch and their incubation time is 12-14 days. 

Because these birds are nomadic and nest in very remote areas, their overall population is hard to estimate. Their population has been considered stable. Partners in Flight estimates a global breeding population of 79 million, with 21% spending part of the year in the United States and 42% in Canada. Partners In Flight rates the species a 6 out of 20 on the Continental Concern Score, indicating it is a species of low conservation concern.

For vocalizations, both males and females sing a series of trills interspersed with rattles, chirps, and warbles. Their call is described as a "machine-gun rattle" and a high pitched "tooting" like a toy truck.

White-winged Crossbill Calls

Video courtesy of Wild Bird and Nature Videos by McElroy Productions on YouTube

For me, personally, I have never seen one of these, yet. It has been spotted in Missouri during irruption years, but this would be a new species for me if I am able to spot it! My best chance would probably be some winter while I am visiting my family in Wisconsin. 

Have you seen this bird before? Please share your stories in the comments!