521. Loxia curvirostra minor 
AMERICAN CROSSBILL. 6 inches 
Male. Above and below red, brightest on rump; back flecked 
with brownish gray; wings and tail brown; zo wzug bars; bill 
crossed at tip. Female. Above and below olive-green flecked with 
brown; wings and tail brown. 
They visit Massachusetts occasionally in winter, live in flocks and 
feed on the seeds of cones. Their presence here, as is that of 
the White-winged Crossbill, is dependent upon 
the scanty supply of cones at the north. fae. 
Note. Chirp or whistle as they work and as we 
they fly. : % \ 
Nest. In conifers, of twigs and bark. \: 
Breeds. Northern New England. \ 
40 
