Crossbill
Loxia curvirostra
Overview
Crossbills live in the conifers. Grizedale, Whinlatter. That chip-chip call from the treetops. The crossed bill is for cone seeds. Good cone years mean more birds. They're hard to see. Listen first.
At a Glance
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Habitat | Conifer woodland · Spruce · Pine |
| Diet | Conifer seeds. Extracted with the crossed bill. |
| UK population | Around 40,000 breeding pairs. Irruptive. Good cone years bring more birds. |
| Lake District | Grizedale and Whinlatter are the best bets. Conifer woodland. That crossed bill is for extracting seeds from cones. |
| Conservation | UK Red List |
Where to See It
Conifer woodland. Grizedale Forest, Whinlatter, the forestry around Thirlmere. Listen for the chip-chip call.
Identification
Finch with crossed bill. Male red, female green. Call is distinctive. Chip-chip-chip.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Conifer woodland. Listen for the call. They're high in the trees. Grizedale and Whinlatter.
Conservation Status
UK Red List
This species is on the UK Red List for Birds (BoCC5), indicating serious concern about its population decline or unfavourable conservation status. Monitoring in the Lake District contributes to national population tracking.
Plan your visit to the Lake District
RSPB Haweswater, Grizedale Forest, Leighton Moss. Practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.