Red Shoveler vs Two-barred Crossbill
Spatula platalea versus Loxia leucoptera
Play a quiz with Red Shoveler and Two-barred Crossbill
Red Shoveler
Two-barred Crossbill
In short
The Red Shoveler and Two-barred Crossbill are easily distinguished by their bills: the Red Shoveler has a large, spatula-shaped bill, while the Two-barred Crossbill features a distinctive crossed bill. These differences in bill shape are the most reliable field marks when identifying these species.
Identification tips
1. Bill shape: Look for the large, spatula-shaped bill of the Red Shoveler compared to the crossed bill of the Two-barred Crossbill. 2. Contextual clues: Consider the habitat; Red Shovelers are typically found in wetland areas, while Two-barred Crossbills are more likely in coniferous forests.