Finches

Red Crossbill, Loxia curvirostra

Family Fringillidae (Finches)

Size: 6.25"

Season: Year-round

Habitat: Coniferous forests

True to its name, the red crossbill has a thick, curved bill with mandibles that cross each other at the tip. It is a stocky, large-headed finch with a short, notched tail and short legs. Males can vary from dull orange to reddish overall, while females are grayish yellow or pale yellow green. Both sexes have dark wings that lack obvious wing bars. Juveniles are light gray with extensive streaking on the head and underparts. Their unique bill allows them to extract seeds from pinecones, but they also eat berries and buds. The female (top) and male (bottom) are illustrated.