Crossbill
Loxia curvirostra
Overview
The Crossbill is one of the most specialised birds in Britain — its bill has overlapping crossed mandibles that work like a lever to prise open pine cone scales and extract seeds. The Formby pinewoods make it attractive habitat and irruptions from Scandinavia (when the cone crop fails there) can bring good numbers. Males are brick-red, females yellow-green. Their habit of perching at the top of pines and their loud 'jip jip' call make them findable.
At a Glance
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Habitat | Scots Pine woodland · Coniferous plantation |
| Diet | Pine seeds — extracted from cones with the crossed mandibles |
| UK population | Around 40,000 pairs in Scotland; irruptive invasions bring birds across the UK |
| Sefton Coast | Irregular visitor to the pinewoods; present in some years, absent in others |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Formby pinewoods — extracts seeds from pine cones. Listen for the 'jip jip jip' call overhead.
Identification
Stocky finch with distinctly crossed bill tips (visible at close range). Male: brick-red. Female: yellow-green. Large head, short tail. 'Jip jip jip' call in flight. Works pine cones methodically.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Walk the Formby pinewoods in July–October in invasion years. Listen for the loud 'jip' call and look for birds at pine treetops, or dropping cones to the ground. Falling cones and cone debris on the ground below pines is a sign of Crossbill activity.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species is on the UK Green List, indicating a healthy population status in the UK context. It remains an important component of Sefton Coast biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Crossbills have crossed bills?
The overlapping crossed mandibles of Crossbills are an adaptation for extracting pine seeds from closed cones. The bird inserts its bill between cone scales, then twists — the crossing mandibles lever the scales apart, exposing the seed which the tongue scoops out. Different Crossbill species have different-sized bills adapted for different pine species. Young Crossbills hatch with straight bills that cross as they grow.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.