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White-winged Crossbill Identification

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The Four Keys to ID

  • Size & Shape

    A compact, medium-sized finch with slightly forked tail and heavy, crossed bill.

    Relative Size

    Larger than a Pine Siskin, smaller than a Pine Grosbeak.

    Relative Sizesparrow or smallersparrow-sized or smaller

    Measurements
    • Both Sexes
      • Length: 5.9-6.7 in (15-17 cm)
      • Weight: 0.8-0.9 oz (24-26 g)
      • Wingspan: 10.2-11.0 in (26-28 cm)

Regional Differences

North America has one subspecies (leucoptera), and Eurasia has a larger subspecies, bifasciata, often called “Two-barred” Crossbill. Eurasian birds have larger bills and less black in the plumage. They also have different songs.