Help Identify NW Bird

leaforte

This character is new to my property, and by my field books, I see a Red Crossbill. But pics on line show such a distinct crossing of the bill, and quite frankly, not such a beautiful red (most img's are ruddier). There are only three that appear, and their sightings are rare each day, making them quite allusive. They don't seem to get along with most of the other birds I have about: Juncos, Sparrows, Doves, Flickers, Jays, Finches,and ESPECIALLY the hordes of Blackbirds. They are a tad aggressive. Any Ideas? I know the snapshot isn't a great identifier, but they are camera shy. This is on a dogwood tree, across my front field, cropped a bit for detail.

Red Crossbill?

Ann McRae

Maybe

size compared to juncos?

the crossbills I have seen have really had crossed bills.

how about purple finch?

finches typically have forked tail feathers.

ann

leaforte

Ann McRae wrote:

Maybe

size compared to juncos?

the crossbills I have seen have really had crossed bills.

how about purple finch?

finches typically have forked tail feathers.

ann

They are larger than the Juncos, close to a juvenile black bird, also aggressive, with big heads, which I think in bird terms, a big head is 'tough', because they command, and others run from them. They stand up for their ground while they feed. I will research Purple Finch and watch for the 'tell tale, forked tail' of the finch. Thanks!

leaforte

Totally a Purple Finch! Thanks Ann! That was the direction I needed. clap

raptorcaptor

Ann McRae wrote:

Maybe

size compared to juncos?

the crossbills I have seen have really had crossed bills.

how about purple finch?

finches typically have forked tail feathers.

ann

Purple Finch would've been my guess too, or a really colorful house finch!

leaforte

Thanks Glenn. I only have two field guides, an NAS Northwest, and a Sibleys, and I am always so quick to judge, as soon as I get close to an ID. I need to learn some good research skills.