[cobirds] RFI -- Cassia Crossbill pictures

All,

The crossbill that my lab studies in the South Hills and Albion Mountains of southern Idaho was recently recognized as a distinct species, the Cassia Crossbill (Loxia sineciuris). In response to this news, many birders have been visiting southern Idaho to add this species to their life list. Indeed, the number of checklists submitted in the South Hills and Albions since the AOS decision this summer has grown tremendously.

One consequence of folks seeking out this bird is that pictures of crossbills we have banded are popping up, both on eBird and in my and my advisor's inbox. Conveniently, this is happening at the exact same time that we are thinking about implementing a study looking at flocking behavior in crossbills, in terms of which individuals are flocking together. We can gain valuable information from pictures of banded birds, especially pictures that have two or more banded birds from the same flock. Pictures of single banded birds are also extremely valuable.

If you are planning on looking for Cassia Crossbills, or have already done so, and have pictures of banded birds, we would greatly appreciate it if you would send them to us.  In order for us to individually identify banded birds, we need a picture of both legs and the bird's bill (the lower mandible of crossbills can cross to the left or right of the upper mandible, and we use this in identifying individuals in combination with their bands). Even if you're not sure that your pictures are sufficient to identify individuals, please send them anyway. Please also include the date and the location (e.g., Porcupine Springs campground) of the sighting.

Please send pictures to cbenkman@uwyo.edu.

Thanks very much for your help!

Best,
Cody Porter

Laramie, WY

 

For more information on finding Cassia Crossbills and their natural history, visit:

https://idahobirds.net/birding-idaho/cassia-crossbill/

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