Crossbill. INSESSORES. LOXIA. 331 



virostra " ma/or of Gmelin and Latham, considered as a 

 variety, is in fact distinct ; and, from its peculiar characters 

 being well-defined and invariable, ought not to be confound- 

 ed with the present species. The above mentioned bird 

 must, doubtless, have been the supposed variety of the 

 Crossbill mentioned by Pennant ; and which he describes 

 as larger, and very rare ; with the bill remarkably thick and 

 short, more arched than that of the " Curvirostra,"" and ha- 

 ving the ends of the mandibles not so sharp, nor drawn to 

 so fine a point. The specimens received by him (a male and 

 female) were killed in Shropshire ; from whence it would ap- 

 pear that this species (Loxia p7/tiopstittacus of Tkumisck) 

 is entitled to rank in the British Fauna, as an occasional vi- 

 sitant. 



The Common Crossbill is of a thick form ; its legs are 

 strong, but short, and with long and hooked claws, well 

 adapted for taking firm hold. 



The muscles attached to the bill are very powerful, giving 

 a large and disproportionate appearance to the head. The 

 crossing of the mandible is not always on the same side, as I 

 have repeatedly observed in the specimens killed, and have 

 accordingly thus represented in the plate. 



It is found in the countries of Europe before mentioned, 

 in Asia, and also in North America. 



Plate 53. Figures of the natural size ; the upper repre- 

 senting the young male ; the lower one the female bird. 



Bill greyish-black. Upper and lower parts tile-red, inter- General 

 mixed with yellowish-grey. Quills and tail greyish- t^j„^"'^' 

 black, margined with yellowish-white. Legs and toes Male, 

 brown. — This is the plumage of the male from the first 

 moult till he is one year old, when he acquires the dress 

 of the adult bird ; in which state the tile-red has given 

 place to ash-grey, deeply tinged and tinted with sulphur 

 and lemon yellows. 



The prevailing colour of the female is a greenish-grey, va- Female. 



