New visitor to my feeder this afternoon. I am pretty sure it is a Red Crossbill, but Sibley guide indicates it would be slightly unusual in my area (North Georgia mountains USA) so I'd like some verification from the experts. Thanks!
you're spot on that it's a crossbill species, I'm not sure if there are other confusion species in the States, but it's definitely a crossbill of one type or other. They often turn up in odd places as they move from area to area in search of food.
Yup, red crossbill. lets hope they don't split it into 8 different species!!!
maybe a crossbill expert will come to this thread and tell you which type it is.
looks like its a fairly large-billed type.
The only other North American Crossbill species is white-winged, Nick, so this must be Red Crossbill.
As Nick says, Crossbills are nomadic and don't really follow any set migration pattern - they just follow the cone crop. That said, I would imagine getting as far south and east as Georgia in late summer is pretty unusual. Hope some US birders can comment on how unusual.
Graham
Yes they don't always occur in flocks, esp when there are movements or migration in progress. During the breeding season I've only ever seen pairs or small flocks, but on migration individuals aren't uncommon.
Just be glad you only have 2 species in the US just now, as we have 4 species turning up in the UK (one rare) and the only one you can id on a fleeting glimpse is the rare one, it figures eh!!!
Medium-large Red Crossbill L. (c.) pusilla**
Mexican Giant Crossbill L. (c.) stricklandi**
I've heard are up for review for species status.