Crossbill

The Crossbill is a sturdy finch best recognised by its unique crossed beak, which helps it get seeds out of pine cones. Male birds are brick-red to orange-red, females are greenish-grey with yellowish rumps, and young birds have heavy streaks. There is quite a bit of difference in beak size and calls among groups that focus on different types of pine trees. They mainly live in Scotland’s Caledonian pine forests, with smaller groups found in pine plantations across England and Wales. Sometimes, when pine cones are scarce, birds from the continent move into Britain in varying numbers. These birds are very restless and often heard before seen, making a distinctive chip-chip sound during flight. They feed in the tops of pine trees, moving skillfully and sometimes hanging like parrots while prising open cones to get to the seeds.