Two-barred Crossbill

The Two-barred Crossbill, known scientifically as Loxia leucoptera, is a small passerine bird belonging to the finch family, Fringillidae. Exhibiting sexual dimorphism, the male is adorned with a bright raspberry-red plumage on the forehead, crown, nape, and upper parts, while the female is clad in a more subdued greenish-yellow. Both sexes are characterized by their unique crossed bills and two distinctive white wing-bars, which are the hallmarks of their identification.

Identification Tips

When observing the Two-barred Crossbill, look for the telltale white wing-bars that give this bird its name. The male's vibrant red hue is contrasted with black or blackish-brown scapulars edged in pink, and black upper tail coverts with white fringes. Females lack the pink and instead display greenish-yellow upper parts. The crossed bill is a key feature, aiding in the extraction of seeds from conifer cones. The bird's chip call is a softer, higher pitch compared to that of the Red Crossbill.

Habitat

The Two-barred Crossbill makes its home in the coniferous forests, where it can be found nesting in the trees and foraging for food. It is a bird that is intimately connected with the forested landscapes of the northern hemisphere.

Distribution

This species has a broad range, breeding in the coniferous forests of North America and across the Palearctic into northeast Europe. While mainly resident, the Two-barred Crossbill may irrupt southward in search of food, with the American subspecies showing a tendency to wander more than its Eurosiberian counterpart.

Behaviour

Outside of the breeding season, these birds often form flocks, sometimes mingling with other crossbill species. They are known to be specialist feeders, with a strong preference for larch cones, but they will also consume berries and seeds from other coniferous trees.

Song & Calls

The Two-barred Crossbill's call is a distinctive, high-pitched chip, which is notably weaker than the call of the Red Crossbill, providing an auditory clue to its identification.

Breeding

The female constructs the nest, typically against the trunk of a conifer, and lays a clutch of 3-4 eggs. She alone incubates the eggs for about two weeks, and both parents contribute to feeding the chicks. The young fledge after three weeks but remain under parental care for an additional six weeks.

Similar Species

In North America, the main species that could be confused with the Two-barred Crossbill is the Red Crossbill. However, the Two-barred Crossbill can be distinguished by its smaller head, smaller bill, and the characteristic white wing-bars. In the Palearctic, it could be mistaken for the Parrot Crossbill or Scottish Crossbill, but again, the white wing-bars and the bird's size serve as differentiating features.

Diet and Feeding

The Two-barred Crossbill has evolved a specialized bill to exploit its primary food source: conifer cones. It shows a marked preference for larch, but will also feed on rowan berries and the cones of other conifers such as eastern hemlock and white spruce.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List currently classifies the Two-barred Crossbill as Least Concern, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population levels that would warrant a higher degree of conservation concern.