COMMON CROSSBILL. 
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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 5 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 
