Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2024-48
| Common name: |
White-winged Crossbill |
| Scientific name: | Loxia leucoptera |
| Date: | 7/11/2024 |
| Time: | First observation: 5:00 PM; Second observation: 5:20 PM |
| Length of time observed: | First observation: 10 mins; Second observation: 20 mins |
| Number: | 3-5 birds. 3 definite |
| Age: | Adult |
| Sex: | Male and female |
| Location: | Big Cottonwood Canyon, Redman Campground |
| County: | Salt Lake County |
| Latilong: | 40.613210, -111.589628 |
| Elevation: | 8,315 ft |
| Distance to bird: | First observation: 150 feet; Second observation: 50-75 feet |
| Optical equipment: | 10X42 binoculars, Nikon D500, Canon Powershot SX50 HS |
| Weather: | Sunny, calm, 75-80 degrees |
| Light Conditions: | First sighting: backlit; Second sighting: direct sunlight |
| Description: Size of bird: | Slightly bigger than a house finch |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Finch; larger head; longish tail |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | Pinkish red from head to underparts, black wing with bold white wing bars |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | Obvious crossed bill |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
The male was pinkish red from head to underparts, with
black wings with bold white wing bars. The female was steaky yellowish,
but more washed out with the lighting but with a crossed bill. (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | Continuous "peet" calls (audio on eBird) |
| Behavior: | Flying tree top to tree top; feeding on Engelman's Spruce cones |
| Habitat: | Coniferous forest; primarily Engelman's Spruce and Sub-alpine Fir |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Other likely species in the area that we could have mistaken the white wing crossed bill for could have been Red Crossbills, Cassin's Finches, House Finches, and Pine Grosbeaks. The birds we observed were pinkish red rather than the orange red of the Red Crossbill and House Finch. House Finches are smaller sized. The Pine Grosbeak is larger with thinner white wing bars and a chunky bill. The Cassin's Finch is similar in size but does not have pink underparts, black wings, or white wing bars. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
This is a lifer for me; however, Connie, Felicia and Vivian have all seen this bird before more than once. |
| References consulted: | Merlin, Sibley, Cornell All About Birds, and other birders I was with. |
| Description from: |
From memory From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Karen Coats |
| Observer's address: | Emerson Ave, SLC, UT 84105 |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: |
Felicia Alvarez, Connie Misket, Vivian Schneggenburger. Tim Coats on 7/8/24 and
others with checklists on eBird for that location. |
| Date prepared: | 7/12/2024 |
| Additional material: | https://ebird.org/checklist/S186538935 [Photos & Audio] |
| Additional comments: | Please see checklist for photos and audio. If you need them sent to you, please let me know. |