Red Crossbill

Red crossbills occur across the Northern Hemisphere wherever suitable conifer forests are available. They inhabit mature spruce, fir, hemlock, and pine forests and may also use mixed deciduous-coniferous woodland when cone crops are plentiful. Rather than following fixed migrations, flocks wander widely in response to changing seed supplies, sometimes appearing far outside their usual range in large irruptions. Adults measure 14 to 20 centimeters long and weigh approximately 23.7 to 45.4 grams. Their crossed bill tips are specialized for extracting seeds from cones. (Animal Diversity Web)

Conifer seeds dominate the diet, with different call types and bill shapes associated with particular conifer species. Birds use the crossed mandibles to spread cone scales before removing seeds with the tongue. Red crossbills are social, nomadic, and generally monogamous, with pairs sometimes remaining together throughout the year. Breeding timing and frequency depend strongly on food abundance, and two to four clutches may be attempted annually. Each clutch contains two to six eggs, averaging three, while incubation lasts approximately 12 to 16 days. (Animal Diversity Web)