Red Crossbill
Loxia curvirostra
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Red Crossbill is a small finch with a distinctive crossed bill. Adult males are primarily brick-red with darker wings and tails, while females are olive-green with yellowish rumps.
Both sexes have strong, crossed mandibles adapted for extracting seeds from conifer cones.
Juveniles resemble females but are more heavily streaked. The intensity of red in males can vary, and some populations show slight differences in bill size and shape based on their preferred conifer species.
Size
Length
15cm to 17cm
Wingspan
25cm to 28cm
Weight
30g to 53g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Red Crossbills inhabit coniferous and mixed forests across North America, Europe, and Asia. They are found in boreal forests, montane regions, and temperate woodlands, where their preferred conifer species grow.
In North America, they are present year-round in parts of Canada, the western United States, and the northeastern U.S. Their distribution can vary widely between years, depending on cone crop availability.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 4,100 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subarctic
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Red Crossbill. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Red Crossbill demonstrates remarkable agility, particularly in its feeding behaviour. Their ability to hang upside down on cones and perform acrobatic manoeuvres whilst extracting seeds showcases their exceptional dexterity and balance.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Whilst not exceptionally strong for their size, Red Crossbills possess specialised, robust bills capable of prying open tough conifer cones. This unique adaptation suggests a moderate level of strength focused on their feeding apparatus.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Red Crossbills exhibit high adaptability, evidenced by their nomadic lifestyle, ability to breed in various seasons, and capacity to thrive across diverse coniferous habitats from sea level to 4,100 metres elevation. Their flexible breeding patterns in response to food availability further demonstrate their adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Red Crossbills are not typically known for aggressive behaviour. They are often observed in flocks and form strong pair bonds, suggesting a more cooperative nature. However, like most birds, they likely display some territorial behaviour during breeding, hence a moderate rating.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The nomadic nature of Red Crossbills, coupled with their ability to undertake irruptive migrations in search of food sources, indicates a good level of endurance. Their capacity to breed in harsh winter conditions when food is abundant also suggests considerable stamina.
Diet
Red Crossbills primarily feed on seeds from various conifer species, including pines, spruces, and firs. Their specialized bills allow them to efficiently extract seeds from closed cones.
They occasionally supplement their diet with insects, especially when feeding young, and may visit feeders for sunflower seeds in winter.
Behaviour
Red Crossbills are highly nomadic, moving in flocks in search of abundant conifer seed crops. They exhibit remarkable dexterity when feeding, using their crossed bills to pry open cone scales and extract seeds.
These birds often hang upside down on cones while feeding, demonstrating their acrobatic abilities.
Vocalisation
Red Crossbills are known for their variety of calls. The most common is a sharp, metallic 'kip-kip-kip' often given in flight. They also produce a softer, warbling song during courtship and breeding.
Different populations or 'call types' have distinct vocalizations, which may play a role in their complex taxonomy.
Nesting & Breeding
Red Crossbills have a flexible breeding season, often nesting when conifer seed crops are abundant, even in winter. Pairs form strong bonds, often staying together for multiple breeding seasons.
Nests are typically built high in conifer trees, constructed of twigs, grass, and moss, and lined with softer materials. Females lay 3-4 pale blue-green eggs with dark markings.
Incubation lasts about 12-16 days, and it is primarily done by the female while the male provides food. Nestlings fledge after 15-20 days but continue to be fed by their parents for several weeks after leaving the nest.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Red Crossbill is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces challenges from habitat loss due to deforestation and climate change. These factors can affect the availability of conifer seeds, their primary food source.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving mature coniferous forests and monitoring population trends.
Birdwatching Tips
- Listen for their distinctive 'kip-kip' call as they fly overhead
- Look for them in coniferous forests, especially during cone-rich years
- Observe their unique sideways feeding motion on cones
- Check for them at bird feeders during winter in some regions
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Common Crossbill
Family:
FringillidaeAverage Lifespan
2 to 8 years
Max Lifespan
16 years [4]
Predators
Did You Know?
- Red Crossbills can breed at any time of year, even in winter, if conifer seeds are abundant.
- There are at least ten recognized 'call types' of Red Crossbills, each specialized for different conifer species.
- Their crossed bills grow continuously, compensating for wear from constant use.
Similar Birds
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2017. Loxia curvirostra (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T22720646A111131604.
View source - 3 4
report, 2007: Breeding Bird Survey and/or Christmas Bird Count: Butcher and Niven
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