The Scottish Crossbill has the distinction of being the UK's only unique bird species.
It is a member of the finch family and is distinguished by a large head and a substantial bill which, as the name implies, crosses at the tip. The bill has developed to help the birds extract the seeds from, primarily, conifer cones. Confined to the pine forests of the Highlands, the Scottish Crossbill has been placed in the critical red category of conservation importance for UK birds.
There are two other species of Crossbill in the UK, the Common Crossbill and the Parrot Crossbill. The three are difficult to distinguish between, particularly the Common and the Scottish variants.
In late winter or early spring courtship begins when the males flock together to sing loudly in chorus, each individual seeking to broadcast his fitness for mating. Males become increasingly aggressive towards one another. When a female accepts a male, they touch bills and he feeds her to confirm their partnership. They build a nest of twigs, which is lined with grass, lichen and feathers, 10-15m up in a pine tree.
Where to see them
Scottish Crossbills can be seen in the pine forests of the Highlands.
When to see them
All year round.
Page first published on Monday 7th April 2008
Page last updated on Friday 17th October 2008
