White-winged Crossbill (Loxia leucoptera), Tunitcha Mountains, Apache County

These White-winged Crossbills were found by Felipe Guerrero, Caleb Strand, and Micah Reigner on 10 December 2017 and photographed by Felipe Guerrero on the same date.

One prior record from Arizona, at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon on 17 November 2007. This species is found in high-elevation subalpine forests, areas which in Arizona are normally inaccessible during the times of year when these birds are most likely to occur. This winter is one of the largest irruptions on record for this species. Though the irruption is primarily coastal in the Pacific Northwest it has also spread into the interior, including Colorado. Given its status in neighboring states, increased coverage of high-elevation mountains of Northern Arizona, especially during (but not limited to) irruption years such as this, may reveal this species to occur more regularly than currently known.

Two together in the last photo. Rarely Red Crossbills may show white wing bars, in these individuals note the broad white wing bars, yellowish chest, indistinct streaks on the underparts and dark cheek mark. Also note the slender bill and realtively long tail.

10 December 2017, photo by Felipe Guerrero

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