crossbill

views updated May 21 2018

cross·bill / ˈkrôsˌbil/ • n. a thickset finch (genus Loxia) with a crossed bill adapted for extracting seeds from the cones of conifers.

crossbill

views updated Jun 11 2018

crossbill Parrot-like, forest finch found mainly in the n of the Northern Hemisphere. It has a heavy, curved, scissor-like bill it uses to prise seeds from cones of evergreens. Length: 15cm (6in). Family Fringillidae; genus Loxia.

crossbill

views updated May 21 2018

crossbill this finch's red plumage is said in a medieval fable to derive from the bird's having attempted to pull the nails from the cross at Christ's crucifixion.