Red Crossbill (Loxia Curvirostra Percna)

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Newfoundland & Labrador Species at Risk Status: Endangered Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra percna) Red Crossbill are a medium-sized finch, which uses its crossed beak to pry open conifer cones. Males are a dull red colour with brown shading and females are grayish olive with yellow rumps. They are distinguishable from White-winged Crossbills by their lack of white wing bars and other Red Crossbill subspecies by their thicker bills. They have a distinct song. © Elaine R Wilson Provincial Distribution Habitat/ Range This subspecies of Red Crossbill is endemic to eastern Canada. There have been sporadic reports of this subspecies in other Atlantic provinces but it is likely that they are restricted to the island of Newfoundland. Red Crossbill are associated with conifer forests, with the highest numbers of observations occurring in the older, mature forests of western Newfoundland. Population Trends There are an estimated 500-1500 individuals on the island. Christmas Bird Counts and Breeding Bird Surveys have shown a decline in the number of Red Crossbill observations over the last 35 years. The last recorded nest sighting occurred in 1977; however, juvenile birds were seen in 2005. Limiting Factors and Threats Habitat loss due to deforestation and natural forest loss as a result of insect infestation and changes in forest fire regimes maybe limiting this population. Special Significance The island of Newfoundland may be the only location where this rare subspecies breeds. You can help protect the Red Crossbill: Department of Environment & Conservation Report any sightings to the Wildlife Division. Wildlife Division Participate in bird surveys and counts. Endangered Species & Biodiversity If you own forested land, consider how you might (709) 637-2026 mange it to conserve rare species. www.gov.nl.ca/env .

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Red Crossbill Loxia Curvirostra Many Members of the Finch Family Migrate Irregu- Larly, As Demanded by the Irregularity of Their Food Supply
584 Finches — Family Fringillidae Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra Many members of the finch family migrate irregu- larly, as demanded by the irregularity of their food supply. The crossbills, with their unique specializa- tion and dependence on conifer seeds, take this irregularity to an extreme. With only small areas for- ested in conifers, San Diego County cannot support a population of the Red Crossbill, so the species is a sporadic visitor here, though it has attempted nest- ing in the county at least once. Studies of morphol- ogy, genetics, and voice suggest the Red Crossbill, with its great variation across North America in size and bill shape, may consist of multiple cryptic Photo by Anthony Mercieca species. Winter: The winters of 1966–67, 1984–85, and 1996–97 saw the biggest incursions of the Red Crossbill known the Laguna Mountains in late July 1993 (G. L. Rogers, P. in the history of San Diego County. Thus the 5-year atlas A. Ginsburg, AB 47:1152, 1993). From 1997 to 2001 the period 1997–2002 began with the winding down of an only such reports were from Middle and Cuyamaca peaks incursion in which small flocks were seen through much (M20), with one on 19 May 1998 and one or two 23–24 of the county, such as 10 at the Vineyard Golf Course, June 2001 (S. Peterson, D. Holway). Escondido (K11), 17 February 1997 (E. C. Hall). The Conservation: The crossbills breeding in the southwest- Oceanside Christmas bird count yielded the maximum of ern quadrant of the contiguous United States have bills 24 on 29 December 1996, and up to 10 occurred even at adapted to feed on the seeds of pines.
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A Hybrid Red Crossbill-Pine Siskin (Loxia Curvirostra X Carduelis Pinus
January1984] ShortCommunications 155 HILLS, M. 1978. On ratios--a response to Atchley, nov, Cramer-Von Mises and related statistics Gaskins and Anderson. Syst. Zool. 27: 61-62. without extensive tables. J. Amer. Stat. Assoc. 69: SAS INSTITUTE.1982. SAS user's guide: basics.Cary, 730. North Carolina, SAS Institute, Inc. ZAR, J. H. 1974. Biostatisticalanalysis. Englewood SHAPIRO,S.S., & M. B. WILK. 1965. An analysis of Cliffs, New Jersey,Prentice-Hall, Inc. variance test for normality (complete samples). Biometrika 52:591-611. Received3 March 1983,accepted 6 September1983. STEPHENS,M.A. 1974. Use of the Kolmogorov-Smir- A Hybrid Red Crossbill-Pine Siskin (Loxia curvirostra x Carduelis pin us) and Speculations on the Evolution of Loxia DAN A. TALLMAN • AND RICHARD L. ZUSI 2 'Departmentof Mathematics,Natural Sciences and Health Professions, Northern State College, Aberdeen,South Dakota 57401 USA; and 2National Museum of NaturalHistory, SmithsonianInstitution, Washington, D.C. 20560 USA On the morning of 27 December1981, a strange streaksweakest on lower throat and belly and dark- finch appeared at Tallman's feeder in a residential est and best defined on flanks and crissum. backyardin Aberdeen,Brown County, South Dakota. Upperparts dusky olive streaked or spotted with Alone and in the companyof Pine Siskins,the bird dark gray. Feathersof forehead and crown dark with consumedsunflower seeds.It fed on the ground and whitish or yellowish edges, giving spotted effect. alsocracked seeds while perchedon a sunflowerhead Longer feathers of nape, neck, and back dark gray hung from a clothesline.Tallman noted that this finch, borderedwith dusky olive laterally, giving streaked when approached,did not fly with a small siskin effect.
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Phylogeography of Finches and Sparrows
In: Animal Genetics ISBN: 978-1-60741-844-3 Editor: Leopold J. Rechi © 2009 Nova Science Publishers, Inc. Chapter 1 PHYLOGEOGRAPHY OF FINCHES AND SPARROWS Antonio Arnaiz-Villena*, Pablo Gomez-Prieto and Valentin Ruiz-del-Valle Department of Immunology, University Complutense, The Madrid Regional Blood Center, Madrid, Spain. ABSTRACT Fringillidae finches form a subfamily of songbirds (Passeriformes), which are presently distributed around the world. This subfamily includes canaries, goldfinches, greenfinches, rosefinches, and grosbeaks, among others. Molecular phylogenies obtained with mitochondrial DNA sequences show that these groups of finches are put together, but with some polytomies that have apparently evolved or radiated in parallel. The time of appearance on Earth of all studied groups is suggested to start after Middle Miocene Epoch, around 10 million years ago. Greenfinches (genus Carduelis) may have originated at Eurasian desert margins coming from Rhodopechys obsoleta (dessert finch) or an extinct pale plumage ancestor; it later acquired green plumage suitable for the greenfinch ecological niche, i.e.: woods. Multicolored Eurasian goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) has a genetic extant ancestor, the green-feathered Carduelis citrinella (citril finch); this was thought to be a canary on phonotypical bases, but it is now included within goldfinches by our molecular genetics phylograms. Speciation events between citril finch and Eurasian goldfinch are related with the Mediterranean Messinian salinity crisis (5 million years ago). Linurgus olivaceus (oriole finch) is presently thriving in Equatorial Africa and was included in a separate genus (Linurgus) by itself on phenotypical bases. Our phylograms demonstrate that it is and old canary. Proposed genus Acanthis does not exist. Twite and linnet form a separate radiation from redpolls.
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Britain's First Two-Barred Crossbill
Britain’s first Two-barred Crossbill Andrew H. J. Harrop, Alan G. Knox and Robert Y. McGowan, on behalf of the British Ornithologists’ Union Records Committee Introduction isations that suggest that the three forms would Until 1998, the British Ornithologists’ Union be best treated as separate species (Benkman (BOU) compiled a single List of the birds of 1992; Elmberg 1993; Cramp & Perrins 1994; Britain & Ireland. Following a request from the AOU 1998). These differences are sufficiently Irish Rare Birds Committee, the BOU has since marked to be observable in the field. The His- then maintained a List for Britain alone (BOU paniolan Crossbill, now treated as a separate 1999). This has entailed ongoing work to sepa- species by the AOU (2003), is not discussed rate the two Lists and establish, among other here; for further information see Benkman things, the first acceptable records for Britain of (1994), Smith (1997) and Boon et al. (2006). those species and subspecies whose first British As a species, Loxia leucoptera was given its and Irish record came from Ireland. A number formal scientific name by Gmelin in 1789, of these were listed in recent BOURC reports in based on specimens of the American White- Ibis and by Bradshaw (2003). winged Crossbill brought to Europe from The first Two-barred Crossbill Loxia leu- Hudson Bay and New York. Therefore, early ref- coptera for Britain & Ireland was a female of the erences to this bird in Britain were generally Old World race L. l. bifasciata (hereafter under the name ‘White-winged Crossbill’ and referred to as bifasciata), shot at Grenville, near believed to relate to birds from America (e.g.
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On the Advantages of Crossed Mandibles: an Experimental Approach
IBIS 130: 288-293 On the advantages of crossed mandibles: an experimental approach CRAIG W. BENKMAN* Department of Biological Sciences, State Uniwersity of New York at Albany, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12222, USA Accepted 20 November 1986 The importance of the crossed mandibles to crossbills for foraging on conifer cones was studied by removing most of the crossed portion of the mandibles of two Red Crossbills L. curuirortra. The foraging rate of these two bill-altered crossbills on the cones of three species of conifers was compared to their rates prior to bill alteration and to two controls. The mandible crossing proved essential for extracting seeds from closed cones. However, as cones open the bill crossing becomes less critical. The mandible crossing appears to be one of several adaptationsof crossbills that have extended the period during which conifer seeds can be exploited effectively. The functions of morphological structures can often be understood by detailed observations of organisms. However, a difficulty with ascribing a function to a structure by observation alone is that different observers often come to different conclusions. Experimental investigations of function are desirable but are often either difficult or trivial. For example, removing a bird’s leg would make perching or terrestrial locomotion impossible or awkward. In some cases, however, slight modification of structures may provide a means for studying a structure’s utility. One striking example of the difficulty of attributing a function to a structure by observation alone is the crossed mandibles of crossbills Loxia. There have been many opinions as to the function of the mandible crossing ranging from those suggesting no adaptive value to those suggesting a specific adaptive function.
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Red Crossbill
Northeast Temperate Network National Park Service Inventory & Monitoring Program U.S. Department of the Interior ecies Red Crossbill SPotlight Loxia curvirostra 2018 marks the centennial of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, considered by many to be the most powerful and important bird- protection law ever passed. In honor of this milestone, National Geographic, the National Audubon Society, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and BirdLife International are joining forces with more than 100 other organizations, including the National Park Service, and millions of people around the world to celebrate 2018 as the “Year of the Bird.” As part of this celebration, NETN’s Species Spotlight series will focus on a different bird species each month throughout the year. What is it? At first glance, it might look like this bird had a face-first, Whereas many bird species raise their chicks almost high-speed collision with a window, but its crossed bill exclusively on insects, Red Crossbills are so adapted to living is actually a finely-tuned instrument that lets it utilize an off of conifer seeds they can even be fed directly to their often plentiful, though hard to access food item. A stocky young. And the efficacy of their bills at extracting seeds from finch of mature coniferous forests, the Red Crossbill is one cones means they don’t have to wait for seed cones to open of only two crossbill species found in North America, both up on their own. This in turn allows them to breed any time of which are dependent on seed cones for their main food there is a large enough cone crop to support a flock, even source.
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The Cost of Breeding in the Winter Versus the Summer in an Opportunistic, Northtemperate Songbird, the Red Crossbill (Loxia Curvirostra)
Eastern Michigan University DigitalCommons@EMU Master's Theses, and Doctoral Dissertations, Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations and Graduate Capstone Projects 2019 The cost of breeding in the winter versus the summer in an opportunistic, northtemperate songbird, the red crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) Travis Draud Follow this and additional works at: https://commons.emich.edu/theses Part of the Biology Commons, and the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Commons The Cost of Breeding in the Winter versus the Summer in an Opportunistic, North-Temperate Songbird, the Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) by Travis Draud Thesis Submitted to the College of Arts and Sciences Eastern Michigan University in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE in Ecology Evolution and Organismal Biology Thesis Committee: Jamie Cornelius, Ph.D., Chair Peter Bednekoff Ph.D. Cara Shillington Ph.D. November 12, 2019 Ypsilanti, Michigan ii Dedication This thesis is dedicated to my family. I cannot thank them enough for the support they’ve given me. Dad, you’re the reason I went into biology and the reason I want to teach. Mom, you were always there to tell me to look at the big picture when I got caught up in the small things. Savannah, I am so proud of where you are going in your career, you impress me every day. You’ve all been a great source of comfort and they are all great examples of who I strive to be every day. I would also like to thank my advisor Jamie Cornelius, without her help working through this process I am sure it would never have happened.
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EUROPEAN BIRDS of CONSERVATION CONCERN Populations, Trends and National Responsibilities
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The Regions of Maine MAINE the Maine Beaches Long Sand Beaches and the Most Forested State in America Amusements
the Regions of Maine MAINE The Maine Beaches Long sand beaches and The most forested state in America amusements. Notable birds: Piping Plover, Least Tern, also has one of the longest Harlequin Duck, and Upland coastlines and hundreds of Sandpiper. Aroostook County lakes and mountains. Greater Portland The birds like the variety. and Casco Bay Home of Maine’s largest city So will you. and Scarborough Marsh. Notable birds: Roseate Tern and Sharp-tailed Sparrow. Midcoast Region Extraordinary state parks, islands, and sailing. Notable birds: Atlantic Puffin and Roseate Tern. Downeast and Acadia Land of Acadia National Park, national wildlife refuges and state parks. Notable birds: Atlantic Puffin, Razorbill, and The Maine Highlands Spruce Grouse. Maine Lakes and Mountains Ski country, waterfalls, scenic nature and solitude. Notable birds: Common Loon, Kennebec & Philadelphia Vireo, and Moose River Downeast Boreal Chickadee. Valleys and Acadia Maine Lakes Kennebec & and Mountains Moose River Valleys Great hiking, white-water rafting and the Old Canada Road scenic byway. Notable birds: Warbler, Gray Jay, Crossbill, and Bicknell’s Thrush. The Maine Highlands Site of Moosehead Lake and Midcoast Mt. Katahdin in Baxter State Region Park. Notable birds: Spruce Grouse, and Black-backed Woodpecker. Greater Portland and Casco Bay w. e. Aroostook County Rich Acadian culture, expansive agriculture and A rich landscape and s. rivers. Notable birds: Three- cultural heritage forged The Maine Beaches toed Woodpecker, Pine by the forces of nature. Grossbeak, and Crossbill. 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 Scale of Miles Contents maine Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Philadelphia Vireo, Gray Jay, Boreal Chickadee, Bicknell’s Thrush, and a variety of warblers.
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Red Crossbill Percna Subspecies Loxia Curvirostra Percna
COSEWIC Assessment and Status Report on the Red Crossbill percna subspecies Loxia curvirostra percna in Canada THREATENED 2016 COSEWIC status reports are working documents used in assigning the status of wildlife species suspected of being at risk. This report may be cited as follows: COSEWIC. 2016. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Red Crossbill percna subspecies Loxia curvirostra percna in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. xiii + 62 pp. (http://www.registrelep-sararegistry.gc.ca/default_e.cfm). Previous report(s): COSEWIC 2004. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Red Crossbill percna subspecies Loxia curvirostra percna in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. vii + 46 pp. (www.sararegistry.gc.ca/status/status_e.cfm). Production note: COSEWIC would like to acknowledge Tina D. Leonard for writing the status report on Red Crossbill, percna subspecies (Loxia curvirostra percna) in Canada, prepared under contract with Environment Canada. This report was overseen and edited by Marcel Gahbauer, Co-chair of the COSEWIC Birds Specialist Subcommittee. For additional copies contact: COSEWIC Secretariat c/o Canadian Wildlife Service Environment Canada Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3 Tel.: 819-938-4125 Fax: 819-938-3984 E-mail: [email protected] http://www.cosewic.gc.ca Également disponible en français sous le titre Ếvaluation et Rapport de situation du COSEPAC sur le Bec-croisé des sapins de la sous- espèce percna (Loxia curvirostra percna) au Canada. Cover illustration/photo: Red Crossbill percna subspecies — Image courtesy of D.M. Whitaker. Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, 2016.
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NOTES on PLUMAGES, MOLTS, and AGE VARIATION of the RED CROSSBILL by HARRISGN B
200 Vol. 54 NOTES ON PLUMAGES, MOLTS, AND AGE VARIATION OF THE RED CROSSBILL By HARRISGN B. TORDOFF The extent of the invasion by Red Crossbills (Lo&a curvirostru) of much of the United States in the winter of 1950-51 has been outlined in Audubon Field Notes (5, 1951: 191-240). In northeastern Kansas the invasion was one of the largest on rec- ord. Crossbills were first noted on November 1 at Lawrence, Douglas County (Tordoff, Condor, 53, 1951:261). Flocks of up to 50 individuals became common by the end of November ; they remained common until the middle of April, 195 1. A few small flocks of five to ten birds still were in Lawrence at least as late as May 1.5. I collected a total of 40 crossbills one mile east of Lawrence; on dates ranging from November 1 to April 15. Of these, 34 (25 males and 9 females) were preserved as study skins. Although this paper is not primarily of a taxonomic nature, certain nomenclatural matters are pertinent. The material studied included four subspeciesas follows: LO& cur~i~ostra sitkensis.-One male, wing 79.4 mm., depth of bill 8.7 mm., November I (Tor- doff, ZOC.cit.) ; one female,wing 78, depth of bill 8.3, March 8. One other male, wing 84, depth of bill 8.8, taken on January 15, is intermediate between sitkensis and L. c. bendirei. Lo& curvirostra bendirei and L. c. benti .-It is impossible to assign trinomials accurately to every specimen in a collection of vagrant crossbills which includes these intergrading subspecies.
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