Scientific name: Loxia pytyopsittacus Borkhausen, 1793
Bird group: Finches and Crossbills
Field characters. 18 cm. Although generally slightly larger than Common Crossbill differences in size hardly noticeable in the field. Resembles Crossbill in all plumages, with males red and females green, both with black wings and tail. Juveniles streaked, as in Crossbills. Differs in slightly larger and heavier bill, especially in adult males. In side views, tip of lower mandible does not project beyond upper mandible, unlike Crossbill. Also, lower mandible has a slight downward bulge before curving upward. Parrot Crossbills often have an obvious grey band along the flanks; although this is not an exclusive character (it can occur also in Crossbills) it can be used as an additional character. More silent than Crossbill, and feeding flocks are often located only by falling Pine cones, which are cut off completely and taken to a nearby place to eat the seeds. Crossbills hang on Pine or Spruce cones but they are apparently not strong enough to pluck them off.
Voice. Similar to Common Crossbill. In flight 'kup kup', like Crossbill but slightly lower pitched. Song warbling, admixed with calls and Greenfinch-like trills.
Distribution. Rather common in north. Invasions occur less often than in Common Crossbill.
Habitat. Coniferous forests, more in pure pine forests than Common Crossbill.
Food. Almost exclusively pine seeds, occasionally insects.