Scottish Crossbill
Loxia scotica
Crossed bill tips give crossbills their name. Only found in pine forests of Scotland, where uncommon and local. As a rule, not safely identified in the field because it looks intermediate between smaller-billed Common (Red) Crossbill and bigger-billed Parrot Crossbill (both of which can occur in same areas). With experience (and computer analysis!), may be identified by voice. Like other crossbills, found in pairs or flocks feeding quietly on pine cones or calling excitedly before taking off in wide-ranging, bounding flight. Male plumage reddish overall; female grayish green overall, with brighter rump.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Loxia scotica
- Authority
- Hartert, EJO, 1904
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Fringillidae
- Genus
- Loxia
Range and habitat
- Breeding range
- PAL : insular w Palearctic in lowland Scots pine: n, ne Scotland (n British Is.)
- Non-breeding range
- locally to other conifer types
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Blyth's Tragopan
Tragopan blythii
A large pheasant-like bird with a short tail. Male has a yellow face, gray upperparts with white spots, a bright red breast and back of the head, and a white band on the base of the tail. Female is brown throughout, with uniform pale speckling and an indistinct pale eye-ring. Occurs in dense evergreen montane forests, where it feeds in the undergrowth. The song is a loud, wailing “oooaaahh.”
Vervain Hummingbird
Mellisuga minima
Tiny, even for a hummingbird, this species occupies most habitats with flowers, except dense woodlands. Note the plain coloration of both males and females as well as the relatively short bill. The female Hispaniolan Emerald and Streamertail are similarly patterned but are distinctly larger, longer tailed and proportionately longer billed. This species is often heard before seen. Its song is a series high-pitched, squeaky “swee” and “swee-ip” notes. Calls include a variety of high squeaky notes and occasionally buzzes.
Boyer's Cuckooshrike
Coracina boyeri
A medium-sized bird of lowland forest canopy. Blue-gray plumage with darker wings and tail, and slightly paler head. Male has a black face. Similar to male Common and Gray-headed, plus female Papuan and Black-bellied Cicadabirds, but Boyer’s has a paler head, stubbier bill and rufous underwings. Also similar to Stout-billed Cuckooshrike, but much smaller and shorter-tailed. Voice, long, piercing, nasal “kiiieeeuuu!”, which can be either upslurred or downslurred.
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