The Crossbill is a thick-set finch, larger than a greenfinch, with an easily distinguishable bill. It is large, thick and strong with mandibles that cross at the tip.
Name
Common Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra)
Lifestyle
Habitat
They are found primarily in association with conifers such as spruce, larch and pine. However, the production of cones varies from year to year. Whole forests may have good crops one year and be unproductive the next. This means the crossbill does not have a defined pattern of migration, they are more nomadic in their behaviour, searching out large forests for productive conifers. The common crossbill normally nests high in conifer trees in a small cupped nest constructed by the female from conifer twigs, moss, lichen, and grass, and lined with finer grasses, hair and wool.
Diet
The Crossbill uses its unique bill to feed on conifer seeds, particularly larch, pine and spruce. They also supplement their diet on berries, invertebrates and other seeds. 
Breeding
Breeding is dependent on the cone crops and will vary from year to year, and can take place at virtually any time. A clutch normally consists of four pale blue eggs with purple spots at one end. They are incubated by the female with both parents feeding the young after they have hatched. Incubation lasts for two weeks with the young leaving the nest after two to three weeks.
Identification
The male is an attractive rusty-red, with a bright crown and rump, offset with dark brown wings and tail. The female is green-grey with a paler yellow rump and grey-brown, wings, tail and back. Juveniles are generally grey-brown with a striped undercarriage.
How we manage our woods
Low impact silvicultural systems will provide more mature trees to be continually coning and provide food for the common crossbill.
Vital statistics
Length: 16.5cm
Weight: 34-38g
Wing span: 27-30cm
UK numbers: around 10,000 breeding pairs
