From Opus

Photo by maartenlorenz
Leusden, The Netherlands, January 2008

Loxia pytyopsittacus

[edit] Identification

Large thick bill, lower mandible is angled. Flattish crown often looks like it continues into the upper mandible
Males - red or orange in colour
Females - green or yellow.

Colors in males, females, and immatures closely parallel what is seen in other crossbills

[edit] Similar species

Common Crossbill, Scottish Crossbill, and to lesser extent White-winged Crossbill

[edit] Distribution

Photo of Female by Macswede
Gorstka Sandön, Sweden, June, 2012

Northwest Europe, western Russia. There is also a small population in Scotland.

[edit] Taxonomy

This is a monotypic species¹.

[edit] Habitat

Breeds and winters in coniferous plantations and woodlands.

Photo of Juvenile by Macswede
Gorstka Sandön, Sweden, June, 2012

[edit] Behaviour

[edit] Diet

Almost exclusively feed on conifer cones, the crossed bill helps in extracting the seeds.

[edit] Vocalisation

[edit] References

1. Wikipedia
2. Collins Pocket Guide to British Birds 1966
3. Collins Field Guid 5th Edition

[edit] External Links