BBC - Scotland the Wild

The crossbill has the honour of being the only bird species unique to the UK.

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Latin Name: Loxia scotica

Gaelic name: Cam-ghob.

Statistics: Body length 16.5cm, wingspan 27.5-31.5cm, weight 36.5-49g.

Physical Description: Sparrow-sized member of the finch family with the eponymous crossed mandibles. The bill size is intermediate between the common crossbill and parrot crossbill. The male has a bright orange-red, brick-coloured plumage, while the female is a dull green-yellow.




	Scottish Distribution: Caledonian pinewoods and conifer plantations over 100 years old. Habitat: Caledonian pinewoods and conifer plantations over 100 years old. Diet: Almost exclusively seeds of Scots pine. Some small insects taken in breeding season.