Sound clips and movies require Adobe Flash player. Latin nameLoxia scotica FamilyFinches (Fringillidae) OverviewThe Scottish crossbill is a chunky, thick-set finch with a large head and substantial bill. It is very difficult to distinguish from the other members of the crossbill family. It is the UK's only endemic bird species (ie one found nowhere else in the world). Where to see themConfined to the Scots pine forests of the Scottish Highlands, both ancient Caledonian forest and new commercial plantations. When to see themAll year round. What they eatPine seeds Estimated numbers| Europe | UK breeding* | UK wintering* | UK passage* |
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| - | 300-1,250 pairs | - | - |
* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn. Distribution
Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations. Find out more
Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100) |