Unraveling the Mystery of the Curious Crossbill

The most striking feature of the Crossbill is its specialized beak—a chunky structure that curves downwards and crosses at its tip, giving rise to the bird’s name. This beak is a testament to its unique feeding strategy. The adult male Crossbill exhibits a predominantly brick-red plumage, with dark brown wings and a forked tail. Its crown and rump display a lighter pinkish tint. The stout body and relatively large head are further distinctive traits. Its eyes are small and dark, while the legs sport a brown hue. The bill, black in color, is medium-length and crosses at its tip, with the upper mandible curving downward and the lower mandible curving upward. The adult female, though sharing similar physical attributes, differs in plumage, showcasing a grey-green body, brown wings, and a pale yellowish rump. Juveniles, on the other hand, are characterized by plain brown feathers, streaked with dark brown on the underparts. Their bills may not exhibit the distinctive cross until they approach maturity.