BIRD LIFE IN WASHINGTON 
119 
There is a pretty story which the poets 
tell which gives another reason for the 
Crossed Bill. It tells us that this is the 
bird which tried to pull the neals from 
the Savior’s cross and that as a mark of 
distinction, the bill remained crossed. 
Jesus’ blood dropped upon the little 
worker and dyed its feathers red. 
The following is taken from Longfel¬ 
low’s poem : “The Crossbill.” 
“Stained with blood and never tiring, 
With its bill it does not cease—, 
From the Cross ’twould free the Savior, 
Its Creator’s Son release.” 
