Red Crossbill
NameRed Crossbill
Common NameRed Crossbill
Scientific NameLoxia curvirostra
FamilyFringillidae
Wingspan (cm)27
Length (cm)16
Weight (g)35
Plumage DetailsAdult males are predominantly brick-red to reddish-orange, with darker wings and tail. Females are duller, typically yellowish-green on the head and body, with grayish wings and tail. Juveniles are streaky brown. All plumages feature the distinctive crossed bill.
Vocalization / CallTheir most common call is a sharp, metallic 'jip-jip' or 'kip-kip' often given in flight. They also have a varied song, which is a series of whistles, trills, and calls.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across coniferous forests of North America, Eurasia, and parts of North Africa. Their distribution is highly irruptive and dependent on cone crop availability.
Identifying Featurescrossed mandibles, males brick-red plumage, females yellowish-green plumage, conifer forest habitat, distinctive 'jip-jip' call
Description
The Red Crossbill is a medium-sized finch characterized by its unique crossed mandibles, perfectly adapted for extracting seeds from conifer cones. Males are typically brick-red, while females are duller yellow-green. These nomadic birds often irrupt into new areas in search of abundant cone crops.
