/ O^^A.". zxX ' -2. 6 , 



PLATE XXVI. AMERICAN CROSSBILL. RED CROSSBILL. 



Loxia curvirostra minor. 



General color red ; darkest on the back, and with a gray tinge on 

 the belly ; wings and tail dark brown, the latter forked ; mandibles 

 crossed at tips. Length, 6.20 inches. 



"Irregularly migratory," says Dr. Coues. "according to exigencies of weather and 

 food-supply, * * coming southward in flocks in the Fall." 



Wilson writes : " On first glancing at the bill of this extraordinary bird, one is apt to 

 pronounce it deformed and monstrous ; but on attentively observing the use to which it is 

 applied by the owner, and the dexterity with which he detaches the seeds of the pine-tree 

 from the husks that enclose them, we are obliged to confess * * that no other confor- 

 mation could have been so excellently adapted to the purpose. * * It has a loud, sharp 

 and not unmusical note. It chatters as it flies." 



