BRITISH BIRDS. 



233 



THE CROSS-BILL. 



SHELL-APPLE. 



(Loxia Curvirostra, Linn. Bcc Croise dcs pins, 

 Temm.) 



Is about the size of a Lark, being nearly seven 

 inches in length. It is distinguished by the pecu- 

 liar formation of its bill, the upper and under man- 

 dibles curving in opposite directions, and crossing 

 each other near the points; its eyes are hazel; the 

 general colour is reddish, mixed with brown on 

 the upper parts; the under parts are considerably 

 paler, being almost white at the belly and vent.; 

 the wings are short, not reaching farther than the 

 tail coverts, and brown; the tail is of the same 

 colour, and somewhat forked; legs black. Indivi- 

 duals vary in the colours of their plumage; among 



VOL. i. 2 G 



