Crossbill, Speyside (1 Viewer)

[Vipers]

I know that they can't really be ID'd for certain without a sonogram of their calls (I didn't have the sense to record them) or a DNA test. I was just after peoples opinions of this Crossbill in case I have missed anything. Thanks!

 

[Steve Lister]

Excellent photos whatever it is.

Don't think it is Common Crossbill - bill looks too deep and has a big-headed shape.

Steve

 

[Vipers]

Thanks Steve!

That was the impression I got in the field also. I see Common Crossbill a lot in Northumberland and these birds just looked structurally different.

 

[lewis20126]

Certainly a Crossbill of interest. Either Scottish or Parrot I would say.

cheers, alan

 

[Andy Adcock]

Shouldn't Parrot show white cutting edges to both mandibles?

A

 

[Nutcracker]

Yep, Parrot Crossbill (most likely), or possibly '3C crossbill' ("Scottish Crossbill" as to popular texts, but not necessarily the type specimen) - you'd need sound recordings to verify the latter.

 

[Nutcracker]

Shouldn't Parrot show white cutting edges to both mandibles?

A

These pics do (well, pale, not white); not sure how significant a character that is though. They also show the 'lower mandible droop' of Parrot.