Common Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra)

The Common Crossbill is a sedentary bird that can be found in coniferous forests, but only in the higher parts of mountains in Bulgaria.

My two meetings with these birds are in Pirin mountain and close to huts. The first time I saw them at Vihren hut and the next year at Sinanitsa hut, from where are the better photos.

It is the size of a Lark and reaches 15-17cm. There is a clear sexual dimorphism, where males are one of the most beautifully colored birds in the Bulgaria nature. They are reddish pink body and brownish green wings. Females are yellow greenish feathers on the body and dark wings. Youngs are greyish brown with longitudinal spots. The beak is massive with curved tips that are crossed, hence the species name.

Cross-beak serves mainly to dissolve the cones with its seeds and foods. Furthermore, foods and various kinds of seeds of conifers, beechnut, tree buds, in rare cases - insects. Like most animals, Crossbill like to lick the salt and minerals, as you will see from some of the pictures.

Crossbill reproduce twice a year in late February and early summer.

Crossbill has a cup-shaped nest with thick walls. In the summer nests in the higher parts of the tree, while in winter to lower parts. Winter nest is solid, covered in moss, lichen and feathers. During the brooding male female food to the nest.

On the territory of Bulgaria is a protected species.

There is a legend according to which, when Jesus Christ was crucified, crossbill tried to pull the nails with which he was chained. Then its beak bent, and Jesus blood stained feathers in red.