Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2023-33
| Common name: |
White-winged Crossbill |
| Scientific name: | [Loxia leucoptera] |
| Date: | 7/9/2023 |
| Time: | 8:00 PM |
| Length of time observed: | 45 minutes |
| Number: | 4 |
| Age: | 2 M, 1 F, 1 unknown |
| Sex: | |
| Location: | Redman Campground |
| County: | Salt Lake County |
| Latilong: | |
| Elevation: | |
| Distance to bird: | |
| Optical equipment: | |
| Weather: | |
| Light Conditions: | |
| Description: Size of bird: | |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Finch, with uniquely crossed bills |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | Bold dark red on the males, paler and messy yellow on the females with black wings and white wingbars |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
First identified by their trilly song, heard among a group of Red
Crossbills. Song seemed too distant to record on my phone, but after
approx. 15 minutes of waiting and watching the flock I got eyes on at
least 3 White-winged Crossbills while a fourth was audible behind me.
White wing bars on much darker wings were obvious, as were the bolder
colors, messy streaking on the female, dark black wings, and the
stronger facial markings. (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: |
Both songs and calls were recorded. Very vocal while feeding. (Audio) |
| Behavior: | Feeding at the top of conifers, associating with a group of Red Crossbills. |
| Habitat: | |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Red Crossbills do not show white wing bars, such bold coloration, have totally different songs, and the females do not have such a streaky breast. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
Observed only once, two years previous, in similar habitat near Mirror Lake, Utah. Have observed many Red Crossbills, which are residents in Utah. |
| References consulted: | Sibley |
| Description from: |
Notes taken at the time of the sighting From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Quinn Diaz |
| Observer's address: | |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | |
| Date prepared: | 7/10/2023 |
| Additional material: | Photos, Tape |
| Additional comments: | eBird checklist containing photos and audio: https://ebird.org/checklist/S144099052 |