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; no wing 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. 



Note. Chirp or whistle as they work and as 



they fly. 



Nest. In conifers, of twigs and bark. 



Breeds. Northern New England. 



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