If you haven't already read the 2015 winter finch forecast, I suggest you do so as it is very informative and usually stunningly accurate. So, if you haven't read it, click here. If you have read it, you probably already know that this year is supposed to be what we call a "mixed bag." This basically means that the finches may come or they may not. From a Jersey-boy's perspective, the two species I really have my eye on are Evening Grosbeak and Red Crossbill. Both of these species are expected to make a decent flight to the East this winter. Each of these finches have a very distinctive flight call. The Red Crossbill's call is a simple kip-kip-kip-kip. They have a strong tendency to perch on the tops of trees (aka "tee up"). So if you happen to hear their flight call, check the tops of trees, you will likely spot one perched there. The Evening Grosbeak's flight call is a loud and proud veer! They are often in small groups or sometimes large flocks, so you'll often hear a rapid fire of veers coming at you. Evening Grosbeaks love to eat black oil sunflower. A tray or hopper feeder works very well for them, as they are on the larger side of the finch family. It is not guaranteed that either of these finches will do what they're expected to, but better to be prepared.
As for the rest of them, I will briefly sum up their reports. Purple Finches and Pine Siskins are already making their way south. Just the other day I saw three Purple Finches at my local nature preserve, and I've heard that Pine Siskins are being reported around. The easiest way to distinguish Purple Finches from House Finches is the coloration and the tail. Purple Finches are more of a red-violet, with pointed, forked tails. House Finches are straight red with squared off tails. Purple Finches prefer sunflower seeds, while Pine Siskins prefer thistle seed. By the way, please...put thistle in a finch feeder...not a tube, or hopper, or anything that's not a finch feeder. Anyway, it sounds like Pine Grosbeaks will make a small movement south potentially into Northern New England and the Adirondacks along with White-winged Crossbills. Common Redpolls will also make a southern movement because birch crops are rather poor up north. There is always the possibility that, like last year, they will show up literally overnight. Redpolls can show up in many different habitats. I've seen them at coastal marshes, beaches, birch woods, my feeders, etc. If we do see a nice movement of redpolls, check for Hoaries! The Hoary Redpoll is the rarer northern species that should probably be lumped with its cousin but that's not my decision. I have a funny story with a Hoary Redpoll, but I'll share it some other time. They look exactly like a Common Redpoll but their bill is pushed in, and their undertail is all white or only has one streak. I will make a post concerning the difference between the two if we start to see them down here.
Until next time, good birding!
- Mike
Evening Grosbeak
Red Crossbill
Photos from a public domain
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