Red Crossbill
Loxia curvirostra · Finches, Euphonias, and Allies
The Red Crossbill is a fascinating finch of coniferous woodlands, easily identified by its unique bill, with mandibles that cross at the tips. This specialized bill allows it to efficiently extract seeds from conifer cones. These birds are highly nomadic, often appearing in new areas in search of abundant cone crops, and can breed at any time of year when food is plentiful.
Explore the full field guideNomadic, conifer specialistMedium-sized finchDistinctive crossed billSeed and bud eater
81 calls·first heard Jul 1·last 19h ago
When it's heardpeak 7a · fall
5a12p9p
How to know it
- The most distinctive feature is the crossed bill, where the upper and lower mandibles overlap. This adaptation is used for prying open conifer cones.
- Adult males are typically brick red to reddish-yellow, with dark brown flight feathers and a dark, notched tail.
- Adult females are generally dull yellow to greenish-yellow, or gray to olive, with dark wings and tail.
- Immature birds are streaked brown overall, with a heavily streaked whitish chest and a brown-streaked back. Their bills become crossed shortly after fledging.