Characterised by the mandibles crossing at their tips, which gives them their name. An adaptation for feeding on conifer cones. These birds are typically found in higher northern hemisphere latitudes, where their food sources grows. They will erupt out of the breeding range when the cone crop fails.
Crossbills breed very early in the year, often in winter months, to take advantage of maximum cone supplies.
Adult males tend to be red or orange in colour, and females green or yellow, but there is much variation.
