Common Crossbill
Scientific Name: Loxia curvirostraMaltese Name: Krucjat
Family: Finches (Fringillidae)
Occurence: Very Scarce
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
Crossbills are remarkable finches, males are red with dark wings, females are grey-green and they all have remarkable bills with crossed bills. They are specialist feeders on conifer cones and the unusual bill shape is an adaptation to assist the extraction of the seeds from the cone. They visit water to drink several times a day. They nest in the tops of trees, laying their eggs very early in the year. The Crossbill is mainly resident, but will regularly irrupt south if its food source fails. This species will form flocks outside the breeding season. Calls are distinctive, loud and explosive "jip jip".
Status:
Very Scarce migrant. Occurs in irruptions from year to year.
When to See:
Mostly recorded from July till October.
Where to See:
Best place to see this Bird is for sure Buskett.
Photographs:
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Male Crossbill, 19th July 2010, Buskett |
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| Female Crossbill, 1st July 1990, Buskett | Male, Juvenile & Female Crossbill, 1st July 1990, Buskett |
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Male Crossbill, 1st July 1990, Buskett |
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