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  • Parrot crossbill

Parrot crossbill

Parrot crossbill (male)
Parrot crossbill (male)
Parrot crossbill (female)
Parrot crossbill (female)
  • Scientific name: Loxia pytyopsittacus
  • Bird family: Finches
  • UK conservation status: Amber
  • Protected by The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

Key information

The parrot crossbill is a large, powerful finch. It has a deep parrot-like bill and a sharply forked tail. The male is orange to red with dusky wings and tail, the female is olive-green or grey. It is very similar to the crossbill and Scottish crossbill - the bill structure and the distinctive, deeper call is the most reliable way to separate them.

It irrupts into Britain some years from Europe after the corn crop has failed there and has bred away from its stronghold in Abernethy Forest. They are listed on Schedule 1 of The Wildlife and Countryside Act.

What they eat:

Conifer seeds, mainly pine, and some insects in the breeding season.

Measurements:

Length:
16-18cm
Wingspan:
30-34cm
Weight:
48-61 g

Population:

UK breeding:
50 pairs

Identifying features:

This bird species has different identifying features depending on sex/age/season.

Parrot crossbill (male)

Male parrot crossbill
Feather colour: Brown Grey Orange Red White
Leg colour: Brown
Beak: Black Brown Medium length Curved Hooked Chunky
Natural habitats: Woodland

Parrot crossbill (female)

Female parrot crossbill
Feather colour: Brown Green Grey White Yellow
Leg colour: Brown
Beak: Black Brown Medium length Curved Hooked Chunky
Natural habitats: Woodland

Similar birds:

  • Crossbill, male
    Crossbill
  • Scottish crossbill male
    Scottish crossbill

Where and when to see them

A small number breed in Scottish forests and very occasionally further south in Britain.

* This map is intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.
  • Resident
  • Passage
  • Summer
  • Winter
Parrot crossbill distribution map

Irruptions can occur at any time of the year. Following those, birds may remain to breed.

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