Watercolor portrait of White-winged Crossbill (Loxia leucoptera)

White-winged Crossbill

Loxia leucoptera
This species is nomadic across the north… Conifer country is home turf: spruce, fi… Uncommon Jingling Warble

Learn to identify the White-winged Crossbill by ear. Master the "tlee-tlee-tlee, churrr-tee-tee" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“tlee-tlee-tlee, churrr-tee-tee”

What the White-winged Crossbill sounds like

A compact finch with a wonderfully odd bill, the White-winged Crossbill uses crossed mandible tips like tiny tools to pry seeds from spruce and larch cones. Males glow raspberry-red with crisp white wing bars. Females are olive-yellow and gray, and both sexes often hang acrobatically in evergreens while giving bright, jingling calls.

“tlee-tlee-tlee, churrr-tee-tee”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A loose, musical warble, bright and sweet, often given from a treetop. It sounds lighter and more bell-like than many other finches. Often written as “tlee-tlee-tlee, churrr-tee-tee”.
Don't confuse with:The Red Crossbill — usually lacks white wing bars.

Where you'll hear it

Conifer country is home turf: spruce, fir, hemlock, pine, and tamarack forests in the boreal north and mountain woods. In irruption years, they spill south into parks, cemeteries, suburbs, and anywhere cone-laden evergreens are planted.

White-winged Crossbills don’t always follow the usual bird calendar. If cone crops are good, they may breed in midwinter, with snow on the branches and seeds still plentiful.

Similar species

Red Crossbill

Usually lacks white wing bars.

Pine Siskin

Much smaller and slimmer, with a thin pointed bill.

Evening Grosbeak

Much larger and chunkier, with a huge pale bill.

White-winged Crossbill song FAQ

What does a White-winged Crossbill sound like?
A loose, musical warble, bright and sweet, often given from a treetop. It sounds lighter and more bell-like than many other finches. Listen for the "tlee-tlee-tlee, churrr-tee-tee" phrase.
How do I tell a White-winged Crossbill from a Red Crossbill by sound?
Red Crossbill: Usually lacks white wing bars.; Bill often looks heavier and bulkier.; Calls are different, and many birds need careful listening or close looks to separate..
When is the best time to hear a White-winged Crossbill?
White-winged Crossbills don’t always follow the usual bird calendar. If cone crops are good, they may breed in midwinter, with snow on the branches and seeds still plentiful.