Hi Keith, et al.

If you are able to pin down the "type" of Red Crossbills that you 
heard, that would be very helpful. It is very possible that in the 
future North American Red Crossbills could be split into as many as 
nine species (!) with vocalization being one of the primary 
separation characteristics for field birders; other separation 
characteristics being more subtle differences in overall size, bill 
size, and food choice.

Here is the best reference site ...

         http://research.amnh.org/ornithology/crossbills/

Type 3 and Type 4 are considered to be found in Maryland as casual 
visitors. The MD/DCRC would actually like to review reports of Type 1 
or Type 2; however, recordings would probably be needed. Types 1 and 
2 probably occur in western Maryland but are considered to be 
hypothetical since they have never been verified by recordings or specimens.

It would also be helpful to note which type of tree perched birds 
were seen and the type of cones being eaten, since food choice seems 
to vary among the different type.

FYI. The MD/DCRC subspecies/form "review list" can be found here ...

         http://www.mdbirds.org/mddcrc/pdf/mdsubrev.pdf


Reference: Iliff, Marshall I. 2001. A List of Subspecies Known from 
Maryland. Draft.

Thanks.

Phil


At 18:42 01/18/2009, Keith Eric Costley wrote:
>The highlight of birding at Soldiers Delight NEA this morning was a small
>flock of [12] Red Crossbills. They seemed to be in a hurry as they flew
>west. After they pasted, I confirmed their flight call with a MP3 player.
>
>Location:     Soldiers Delight NEA
>Observation date:     1/18/09 (9:00-11:00)
>Number of species:     34
>(snip)
>Red Crossbill     12     Flyover, heading West
>(snip)

===================================================
Phil Davis, Secretary
MD/DC Records Committee
2549 Vale Court
Davidsonville, Maryland  21035     USA
301-261-0184
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MD/DCRC Web site:  http://www.MDBirds.org/mddcrc/rcindex.html
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