Common Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

The Common Crossbill is a medium-sized finch with a distinctive crossed bill, which is an adaptation for extracting seeds from conifer cones. The males are brick-red or orange, while the females and juveniles are more greenish-yellow. These birds are known for their nomadic behavior, often moving in search of coniferous forests with abundant cone crops. They are highly specialized for feeding on conifer seeds and are often found in pine, spruce, and fir forests. Common Crossbills are known for their unique flight call and are often seen in small flocks. Their populations are generally stable, but local declines can occur due to habitat loss and changes in coniferous forest dynamics.

Habitat: Coniferous forests