COMMON CROSSBILL. 339 



of the different species of pine, to which they 

 are enabled to find access by the peculiar struc- 

 ture and strength of their bill. The colours of 

 the plumage are bright, and undergo periodical 

 changes. They are partially migratory, and in 

 winter are gregarious. 



LOXIA, Brisson. Generic characters. Bill 

 strong, rather lengthened, compressed, man- 

 dible and maxilla crossing each other at the 

 tip when closed, entire at the tips ; wings 

 with the first quill longest, the others gra- 

 duating ; tarsi short ; feet rather strong, 

 with the lateral toes unequal, claws hooked. 



Types. Loxia curvirostsa, fyc. 



Note. Europe, America. 



THE COMMON CROSSBILL. 



Loxia curvirostra. LINN. 

 PLATE XX. 



Loxia curvirostra of authors Common Crossbill of 

 British authors. 



THIS very interesting bird appears to have had 

 attention directed to it since a very early period, 

 which may be perhaps traced to their occurrence 

 at uncertain intervals, their curious habits and 

 want of fear, and the destruction which they 



