The bird(s) of the day are back. Today we will meet Red Crossbills (RECR) and Pine Grosbeak (PIGR). These species are being introduced together because they look fairly similar and are both found in the 
same, coniferous habitats. Both species nest in open cup nests in conifer trees, or sometimes shrubs. Both have a similar diet of primarily seeds, buds, and fruits. The pictured birds are males in both cases and the adult females of both species are yellow in the same spots that the males are red (why not yellow grosbeak and crossbill??? must be sexist). To tell them apart use size (pine grosbeaks are notably larger than are the crossbill), shape of the bill (short and stout for PIGR, longer and crossed for RECR), and the best field mark are the white wing bars of the Pine Grosbeak
which are absent on the Red Crossbill. Voice is another giveaway (once you learn them). You will hear Red Crossbills and their kip flight calls over the kelly campus nearly every day. The voice of the Pine Grosbeaks is more musical and their presence is less predictable, you will see 20 one day and none a week later.
Happy Birding - Dale
Image of Red Crossbill from National Park Service.
Image of Pine Grosbeak from Cornell University.
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