The Loxia curvirostra (scientific name) or red/common crossbill is usually found across the Northern Hemisphere, in areas like the Scottish Highlands, North Norfolk coast, forest of Dean, new forest, Breckland and even Northern Asia, which have conifer trees. 5.0-6.6 inches in length, the male is usually reddish-brown with black colouring while the female is green and black. It derives its name from its unusual bill shape which crosses at the tips. This feature helps it extract seeds from coniferous trees. These seeds form its primary source of food. An average clutch-size of the crossbill has 4 eggs which are incubated for 13 days only by the female. Its IUCN listing is the LEAST CONCERN.
Red Crossbill
