Bird Guide

Parrot Crossbill

Loxia pytyopsittacus

Least ConcernSeedsForestCup nestSmall · 53 g

About the Parrot Crossbill

The parrot crossbill is a small passerine bird in the finch family Fringillidae. It breeds in pine forests in northern and northeastern Europe.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

ID tip

Adult males tend to be red or orange in colour, and females green or yellow, but there is much variation. This species is difficult to separate from red and Scottish crossbills, and plumage distinctions are negligible. It is slightly larger than other crossbills, measuring 16 to 18 cm (6.3 to 7.1 in) long and spanning 27 to 31 cm (11 to 12 in) across the wings. It is quite bulky and heavy weighing from 44 to 58.2 g (1.55 to 2.05 oz), with an average of 53 g (1.9 oz). The head and bill are larger than in either of the other species.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

What the Parrot Crossbill sounds like

Recording: Max Karlsson · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto
Recording: Jochem verweij · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto

Where the Parrot Crossbill lives

Regular rangeRare visitor

Recorded as a rare visitor in France, Iceland.

When to see the Parrot Crossbill

Peak activity in October · a resident species across most of its range

Easily confused with

Side by side: Parrot Crossbill vs Red Crossbill · Parrot Crossbill vs Two-barred Crossbill

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