Common Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

(L. c. guillemardi)

Armenian Name:	Եղևնու խաչկտուց
Species Status:	Undetermined Species - Species of Special Concern

See Plate 57 for Common Crossbill and other similar species

Resident Status:	Year-round resident
Abundance:	Rare
Length:	16.5 cm, Wing Span:27-30.5 cm
Distribution Map:	Map 326.
Description:	Unique in having a bill with the long tips crossed.
Adult:	Male is largely red. Female is gray-green with yellowish rump and occasionally a few red or orange feathers.
Juvenile:	Yellowish-brown with extensive brown streaks.
Immature:	Immature males can show extensive orange and/or green.
Behavior:	Gregarious; usually found in small family groups. Breeds in late winter and early spring. Feeds high in trees, using bill to separate scales of cones.
Habitat:	Mature coniferous forest.
Food:	Seeds, mostly of conifers; some invertebrates.
Nest:	Platform of twigs in top of conifer.
Eggs:	22 mm, 3-4, bluish-white, purplish spots.