Birding: Crossbills and Redpolls Take Up Winter Residence

Bird watchers in northern states have been treated to an apparent invasion of three species of normally uncommon bird species this winter.

When seed stocks in evergreen trees of northern forests do not provide enough feed, some northern species move south in search of pines, spruces and other evergreens with pine cones offering food.

In 2009 there have been hundreds of sightings of two interesting bird species: White-winged crossbills and red cross bills. These birds are examples of evolutionary adaptation to their food source. Both species have bills featuring tips that form a sort of "crossbite," hence the name. The bills are useful in splitting pine cones to extract the seeds inside.

Red Crossbill males are deep coral red with brownish wings. Females are brownish green with white throats. Juvenile birds (young) are dark brown on the back and have a buffy breast with brown streaks.

White Winged Crossbills are active, skittish birds. Males have a pinkish or "off-red" coloration to much of their body. Their wings are black with white "shoulders" and a prominent white bar at the center of the wing. Females are brownish with hints of yellow and ochre, as are immature birds.

Seeing flocks of crossbills in winter is a treat in many northern states because these birds are not common most winters. But it seems like the border patrol for birds was not paying attention this year. Flocks of crossbills are being seen with much frequency in Illinois, for instance. Groups of 3 to 20 birds move from stock to stock of cones on pines, firs, spruce and other evergreens. There was some speculation during late December and early January whether these were winter "resident" groups or whether their was a continual migration going on. This conjecture is virtually impossible to determine unless some winter banding were to occur.

That would be a difficult task indeed. Crossbills do not typically go to bird feeders where they could effectively be captured. Instead they move busily from tree to tree, often in groups, making a noise that could accurately be called "jibbering."

Both crossbill species move south as far as Texas. Any group of birds gathered atop a pine or spruce tree is worth checking to see if they are either crossbill species.

The other "treat" bird that seems to be common in northern North America are redpolls. These small birds are pale with dark wings and a bright red "cap" on the front of their heads. Both male and females sport this coloration along with a dark "chin" beneath their beak. At only 5", redpolls are genuinely small birds, about the size of a goldfinch. They may be seen in the company of goldfinches, pine siskins and house finches at bird feeding stations with thistle seed this winter.

In mentioning siskins and goldfinches, it helps to be able to identify these more common species at bird feeding stations so that you know when rarer species like redpolls show up. Pine siskins are charming, small birds with deep, dark streaking, pointy bills and bright yellow bands in their wings. When perched, siskins show a little yellow in the wing and upper tail. When flying the yellow bands flash. Siskins fly fast and with a quick zig-zag to their direction. They generally sing in flight, emitting a "chee." They also make an ascending "zeeeeip" that is diagnostic.

Goldfinches are our most common winter finch. Their plumage from October through May is a dingy greenish yellow. Males have blackish wings with white wing bars. Females are generally muddy green or brown with less prominent wing bars. American Goldfinches fly with a lilting pattern, almost like they are falling out of the air. There are two southwestern species of goldfinch that can be found in summer months. Both move south and out of the country during winter. These are the Lesser Goldfinch and Lawrence's Goldfinch.

The last two smaller finch-like birds to be found at winter feeders are the House Finch and Purple Finch. House Finches have been something of an American success story. Originally found out west, these birds were introduced out east and spread like crazy across the continent. Their populations sooner or later met in the middle. Blessed with a rich song, the birds nevertheless became something of a nuisance on the order of House Sparrows because they breed in geranium pots and are hogs at the bird feeder. A few years ago many House finches became ill with a fungus drawn off bird feeders. Their numbers have recovered somewhat since then. House finch males are a striking ruby red on the face, head and breast. Females are dull brown.

Lucky birders may find Purple Finches at their feeders in late winter. These elegant native birds have one of the prettiest songs among North American species. Males are wine-colored plumage on the head and breast. Females are a brilliant brown and white streaked bird, rather like a smaller version of female Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks. Purple finches generally like coniferous woodland but can be seen sometimes in parks and yards. You're lucky if you get them.

This is a good year for surprises at northern bird feeders. Keep your feeders full and your eyes peeled. You never know what might turn up: Pine Grosbeak? Evening Grosbeak? What a reward for vigilance!