Parrot Crossbill
Loxia pytyopsittacus
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Parrot Crossbill is a robust finch with a distinctive crossed bill. Males are primarily brick-red or orange-red, while females are greenish-grey with brown streaking. Both sexes have dark wings and tails.
Juveniles resemble females but have heavier streaking. The bird's most notable feature is its large, powerful bill with crossed tips, which is larger and more curved than that of other crossbill species.
Size
Length
16cm to 18cm
Wingspan
27cm to 30cm
Weight
40g to 53g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Parrot Crossbills are found in northern Europe, including Scandinavia, Russia, and parts of Scotland. They inhabit mature coniferous forests, with a strong preference for pine woodlands, particularly those dominated by Scots pine.
In the UK, they are primarily found in the Scottish Highlands, where they are year-round residents. During winter, some birds may move southward in search of food, but long-distance migrations are rare.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,000 meters
Climate zones
Subarctic, Temperate
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Parrot 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