Image via Macaulay Library
Red Crossbill
- Scientific name
- Loxia curvirostra
- Family
- Fringillidae
- Conservation status
- Least concern
- Habitat
- Forest coniferous
- Wing shape
- Broad
- Tail shape
- Notched
Where it came from
The red crossbill, Loxia curvirostra, evolved within the finch family as a masterclass in specialized adaptation. Its namesake beak, which features mandibles that cross at the tips, emerged as an evolutionary solution for extracting seeds from closed conifer cones. This physiological trait allows the bird to function as a keystone species in coniferous forests across the Northern Hemisphere, where its distribution is often dictated by the abundance and cycle of local pine and spruce crops.
Ornithologists have long noted the complex variation within this species, which is now understood to comprise several distinct vocal types or cryptic species across North America and Eurasia. Because these birds do not follow traditional migration patterns and instead roam in response to cone availability, they have historically been subjects of intense fascination for researchers studying nomadic avian behavior and ecological resource partitioning.
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI
Who's collecting this
Real birds collectors on collecto.rs who have this in their public collection.
About Red Crossbill
Red Crossbill is a bird in the Birdwatching catalog on collecto.rs. Catalog data is sourced from eBird. No public birds collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.
How many collectors track Red Crossbill on collecto.rs?
Red Crossbill doesn't have any public collectors on collecto.rs yet. Sign up to add it and become the first.
Can I track my own copy of Red Crossbill?
Yes. collecto.rs is free — sign up to log your bird, upload photos, record condition, edition, and acquisition cost, and connect with other birdwatching collectors. Your collection stays private by default.
Where does the Red Crossbill catalog entry come from?
The catalog entry for Red Crossbill is sourced from eBird. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.
Is collecto.rs birds tracking free?
Yes. Tracking your birds is free — no paid tier required to catalog items, upload photos, or share your collection.
Track every bird you own
Free. Fun. Collection photos, notes, organization, value tracking, friends — all in one place.
Sign up free
