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White-winged Crossbill Loxia leucoptera

Flight call description There are two main flight calls. One call is a hard vibrant "tchet", usually quickly doubled or given in a rapid chattering series of up to eight calls per second. Sometimes mixed with the "tchet" call or given by itself is a nasal, rising, "vheet", often doubled or delivered in an extended series of up to four calls per second.

 

Fig.1. Minnesota November 26, 2000 (WRE).

 "Tchet" calls from bird in flight.

 

 

Fig.2. New York June 3, 1989 (WRE).

  "Tchet" calls from bird in flight.

 

 

Fig.3. Maryland February 15, 1998 (MO).

 "Vheet" call from bird in flight.

 

Examples

Diurnal calling sequences:

1. Minnesota November 26, 2000 (WRE). "Tchet" calls from bird in flight.

2. Ontario November 28, 2000 (WRE).  "Tchet" calls from bird in flight.

3. New York June 3, 1989 (WRE). "Vheet" and "tchet" calls from several birds in flight with Hermit Thrush, Nashville Warbler, and Vesper Sparrow singing in the background.

4. New York June 3, 1989 (WRE). Vibrant "tchet" calls from flock in flight with Nashville Warbler and Lincoln's and White-throated Sparrows singing in the background.

5. New York June 3, 1989 (WRE).  "Vheet" and vibrant "tchet" calls from flock in flight with Nashville Warbler and Vesper Sparrow song.

6. Maryland February 15, 1998 (MO). "Vheet" and "tchet" calls from flock in flight.

7. New Jersey November 27, 2001 (MO). "Vheet" calls from perched female with Blue Jay calling in the background.

8. New Jersey November 27, 2001 (MO). "Tchet and "vheet" calls from male in flight with American Goldfinches calling in the background.

 

Similar species "Vheet" call similar to House Finch's "vwin" but is delivered in a more rapid series and is typically mixed with "tchet" calls, so there is little chance for confusion. Red Crossbill flight calls are similar to White-winged's "vheet" call in cadence but are more emphatic, more pure-toned, and are not mixed with "tchet" calls. See Common Redpoll.

 

Behavior Thought to be primarily a diurnal migrant but begins movement before sunrise. Gives flight calls regularly while perched and in flight during the day. Not known to give flight calls at night. "Vheet" call usually given in shorter flights while "tchet" call predominates in longer  flights.