Common crossbill or Red crossbill (Loxia curvirostra)
Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) sitting on a branch in winter
Key Facts:
- Size: 15–17 cm
- Characteristics: Crossed bill tips, brick-red plumage in males
- Habitat: Coniferous forests, especially spruce stands
- Breeding: Nest high up in conifer trees, often in winter
- Diet: Seeds from spruces and pines
The Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) – A Specialist of the Conifer Forests
Table of Contents
- Introduction: The Red Crossbill – Master of Conifer Cones
- Identification: How to Recognize the Red Crossbill
- Habitat and Range: Where the Red Crossbill Lives
- Behavior and Diet: A True Survival Expert
- Breeding: Nesting High in Conifer Trees
- FAQ: Common Questions About the Red Crossbill
- Shortlist – Color Features
1. Introduction: The Red Crossbill – Master of Conifer Cones
The Red Crossbill is a medium-sized finch known for its uniquely crossed bill. This special adaptation allows the bird to extract seeds from conifer cones, a food source that many other birds cannot access. The Red Crossbill primarily lives in dense coniferous forests, especially in areas with lots of spruce trees, and can breed throughout the year.
2. Identification: How to Recognize the Red Crossbill
At 15 to 17 cm in size, the Red Crossbill is a medium-sized songbird with distinct features:
Feathers:
The male has bright, brick-red feathers, which are especially vivid on the chest and back. The head and wings are also red, making the male stand out. Females are a dull yellow-green, with the rump being particularly bright. Young birds are less colorful, with gray-brown, heavily streaked plumage.Bill:
The Red Crossbill’s most distinctive feature is its strong bill with crossed tips. This specialized shape allows the bird to pry open the tough scales of conifer cones and extract the seeds inside.Eyes:
The dark eyes contrast sharply with the lighter parts of the plumage. In females, the eyes appear softer due to their more subdued coloring.Feet:
The sturdy, gray to dark brown legs provide the Red Crossbill with a firm grip on the dense branches of conifer trees.
3. Habitat and Range: Where the Red Crossbill Lives
The Red Crossbill is primarily found in coniferous forests, especially those with abundant spruce trees. These habitats provide both food and safe nesting sites. Even in winter, when other birds struggle to find food, the Red Crossbill remains active and can breed during this cold season.
4. Behavior and Diet: A True Survival Expert
The Red Crossbill feeds almost exclusively on the seeds of spruces and pines. Its unique bill shape allows it to access food sources that other birds cannot. The Red Crossbill shows remarkable skill and persistence when opening cones to extract seeds. It often climbs through the treetops, skillfully working the cones to get at the seeds inside.
5. Breeding: Nesting High in Conifer Trees
The Red Crossbill often breeds in winter when there is enough food available. The nest is built high up in conifer trees and is well-insulated to protect the eggs and chicks from the cold. The breeding season is flexible, depending on the availability of food. Typically, the clutch consists of two to four eggs, which are cared for by both parents.
6. FAQ: Common Questions About the Red Crossbill
1. Where is the best place to observe the Red Crossbill?
The Red Crossbill is most commonly found in dense coniferous forests, especially those with plenty of spruce trees. In winter, its calls are often easy to hear.
2. What does the Red Crossbill mainly eat?
Its main diet consists of the seeds of spruces and pines. Its specialized bill allows it to efficiently extract these seeds from cones.
3. How can you tell the difference between male and female Red Crossbills?
The male has bright, brick-red plumage, while the female is a more muted yellow-green.
4. When does the Red Crossbill breed?
The Red Crossbill has no fixed breeding season and can breed year-round, depending on food availability.
5. What is the purpose of the Red Crossbill’s crossed bill tips?
The crossed bill tips are a specialized adaptation that allows the bird to open the tough cones of conifer trees and extract the seeds inside.
7. Shortlist – Color Features
Feathers:
- Male: Brick-red on the chest and back
- Female: Dull yellow-green, particularly bright on the rump
- Juveniles: Gray-brown, heavily streaked
Bill:
- Strong, with crossed tips
Eyes:
- Dark, contrasting with the face
Feet:
- Gray to dark brown
The Red Crossbill is an impressive bird, perfectly adapted to life in coniferous forests. Especially in winter, it is fascinating to watch as it forages for food—a true marvel of nature.
