Crossbill

Robust and big-headed, this finch wields a distinctive crossed bill to extract seeds from conifer cones. Males sport a subdued red or orange hue with gray or brown accents, while females display a dull olive-yellow tone. Young ones appear more striated than mature birds. Watch for wings in shades of brown lacking wingbars. Diverse populations target varying conifer seed types; nuanced variations mark jipping calls across groups. Nomadic in nature, this species breeds opportunistically throughout the year, contingent on food availability. Frequently observed in small groups, it seldom frequents feeders.