WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL. 



522. Loxia leucoptera. 6 inches. 



Male, rosy; female, with yellowish. 



This species seems to be of a more roving dispo- 

 sition, and even more eccentric than the last. They 

 are not nearly as common and are usually seen in 

 smaller flocks ; occasionally one or two individuals of 

 this species will be found with a flock of the American 

 Crossbills, but they usually keep by themselves. While 

 they may be seen in a certain locality one season, they 

 may be absent for several seasons after, for some rea- 

 son or other. They feed upon the seeds of pine cones, 

 prying the cones open with their peculiar bills. 



Notes. — Do not differ appreciably from those of the 

 last. 



Nest. — The nesting habits of this species are like 

 those of the last, but the eggs differ in being slightly 

 larger and in having the markings of a more blotchy 

 character (.80 x .55). 



Range. — Breeds from the northern parts of the 

 northern tier of states northward. Winters in the north- 

 ern half of the U. S. 



