Red crossbill Loxia curvirostra

Identification Tips:

• Length: 5.5 inches
• Large bill with crossed tips
• Short, forked tail
• Distinctive call note often given in flight
• Most often found in pine trees
• Often found in flocks

Male:

• Dull red head and body
• Blackish wings and tail

Female:

• Dull gray plumage
• Dull yellow crown, breast and rump
• Juveniles resemble females but more heavily streaked

Similar species:

The Red Crossbill is similar to the White-winged Crossbill but lacks wing bars and has a larger bill.

Length and wingspan from: Robbins, C.S., Bruun, B., Zim, H.S., (1966). Birds of North America. New York: Western Publishing Company, Inc.