The best feeder for white-winged crossbills
Wanders the boreal forest chasing spruce cone crops; nests in any month cones are ripe.
Feeder styles that work
Suits small clinging and perching birds and keeps seed dry.
Holds a large seed volume with a ledge for mid-sized birds.
What to fill it with
- Hulled sunflower
- Black-oil sunflower
Sizing the feeder to the bird
The White-winged Crossbill measures 5.9–6.7 in and weighs 0.8–0.9 oz. Perches, ports and landing surfaces need to fit that frame — too small and the bird can't feed comfortably, too open and larger birds and squirrels dominate.
Keep it clean
Scrub feeders every two weeks in hot soapy water, soak 10 minutes in a 1:9 bleach solution, rinse and dry before refilling. Rake up hulls underneath.
Frequently asked
What kind of feeder is best for white-winged crossbills?
Tube feeder with short perches. Suits small clinging and perching birds and keeps seed dry.
What should I put in a feeder for white-winged crossbills?
Hulled sunflower, Black-oil sunflower.
Where should I place a feeder for white-winged crossbills?
Wanders the boreal forest chasing spruce cone crops; nests in any month cones are ripe.
Sources
- White-winged Crossbill — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- White-winged Crossbill life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- White-winged Crossbill — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.