noun
- a finch with a bill having crossed mandibles, adapted for extracting seeds from pine cones
Usage: ornithology
Examples
- The red crossbill used its specialized beak to pry open the pine cone.
- Crossbills are often seen in coniferous forests during winter.
- The white-winged crossbill is distinguished by its wing markings.
- Birdwatchers traveled north hoping to spot the rare crossbill species.
- The crossbill’s unique bill structure allows it to access seeds other birds cannot reach.
- A flock of crossbills descended on the spruce trees in search of food.