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. 



