Hispaniolan Crossbill
NameHispaniolan Crossbill
Common NameHispaniolan Crossbill
Scientific NameLoxia megaplaga
FamilyFringillidae
Wingspan (cm)27
Length (cm)15.5
Weight (g)27.5
Plumage DetailsAdult males are predominantly brick-red to reddish-orange on the head, breast, and rump, with dusky streaking on the back and flanks. Their dark brown wings feature two prominent white wing bars. Females are duller, yellowish-green, and heavily streaked, also possessing the distinctive wing bars.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its distinctive, sharp, and metallic 'chip-chip' or 'jip-jip' calls, often given while in flight or foraging.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusendangered
Geographic RangeEndemic to the island of Hispaniola, primarily found in the high-altitude pine forests of the central mountain ranges of the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
Identifying FeaturesCrossed mandibles (bill tips overlap), Reddish plumage (males), Two prominent white wing bars, Streaked back and flanks, Specialized diet of pine seeds, Found exclusively in high-altitude Hispaniolan pine forests
Description
This medium-sized finch is characterized by its unique crossed mandibles, perfectly adapted for extracting seeds from the cones of Hispaniolan Pine. Males display a striking reddish plumage with streaked backs, while females are duller and yellowish-green.
