BIRDS OF THE BRITISH ISLES. 13 



Common Crosebill. 



The Common Crossbill {Loxia ciirvirostm, Linni\ius) is 

 an uncertain winter visitor to the British Isles, although 

 some remain with us. It is also found in summer in most 

 parts of Europe and Northern Asia. The general colour 

 above of the adult male is dull crimson, becoming brighter 

 on the rump and chest ; wings and tail, brown, with pale 

 margins to wing-coverts ; vent, white ; irides, hazel ; bill, 

 legs, and feet, dark brown. Length, about six inches. The 

 adult female is mostly greyish-brown, tinged on the upper 

 parts and breast with greenish-orange ; rump, brighter. The 

 young are dull in colouration similar to the adult female^ 

 but are streaked on the upper and under parts. 



