Key information
The crossbill is a chunky finch with a large head and bill which is crossed over at the tips. This crossed bill is used to extract seeds from conifer cones. They are most often encountered in noisy family groups or larger flocks, usually flying close to treetop height. It feeds acrobatically, fluttering from cone to cone.
Adult males are a distinctive brick-red and females greenish-brown. It is a Schedule 1 species.
What they eat:
Seeds from conifers.
Measurements:
- Length:
- 16.5cm
- Wingspan:
- 27-30.5cm
- Weight:
- 35-50g
Population:
- UK breeding:
- 40,000 pairs
Identifying features:
This bird species has different identifying features depending on sex/age/season.
Crossbill (male)
Crossbill (female)
