Loxia leucoptera

IRRUPTIVE SPECIES-IRREGULAR IN PA

Poor cone production across their northern range cause the White-winged Crossbills to move southward during
winter months. It is an irregular visitor to Pennsylvania although a few birds are found in most years.
Flocks ranging upwards to several hundred birds have been observed in irruptive years.

This flock, estimated at approximately 30 birds, was found in a cemetery in Shippensburg, Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania on January 17, 2009. On the 22nd, I decided to give chase in the hopes they would still be there.
Shortly after arriving at the location the birds were spotted flying into a nearby conifer. They were very
approachable as they extracted seed from hanging and fallen cones and seemingly drank water from the light snow cover.
I watched and photographed them for more than a half hour while standing at the same spot.

Interesting note: According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology,"White-winged Crossbills with lower mandibles
crossing to the right are approximately three times more common than those with lower mandibles crossing to the left."

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