Red Crossbill

left: male Red Crossbill, right: female Red Crossbill
Left: male Red Crossbill. Right: female Red Crossbill.

NPS Photo / Rachel Ames

Size: 6.5”
Description: Males are a deep red to reddish yellow-green, while females are grayish olive overall. Both sexes have blackish brown wings and tail, and a curved beak with crossed tips.
Migratory Status: Year-round residents of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Habitat: Prefer ponderosa pine forests but also live in other coniferous forests to 11,000 feet. Can be seen above timberline.
Diet: Eat conifer seeds that they pry from the cones with their long, curved beaks.
 

Last updated: January 24, 2020

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Mailing Address:

1000 US Hwy 36
Estes Park, CO 80517

Phone:

970 586-1206
The Information Office is open year-round: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily in summer; 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mondays - Fridays and 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Saturdays - Sundays in winter. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222.

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