crossbill

[ kraws-bil, kros- ]

noun

1. any bird belonging to the genus Loxia, of the finch family, characterized by mandibles curved so that the tips cross each other when the bill is closed.

crossbill

/ ˈkrɒsˌbɪl /

noun

1. any of various widely distributed finches of the genus Loxia, such as L. curvirostra, that occur in coniferous woods and have a bill with crossed mandible tips for feeding on conifer seeds

Word History and Origins

Origin of crossbill¹

First recorded in 1665–75; cross- + bill ²

Example Sentences

Similarly, both the German varieties of crossbill commonly begin to sing before losing the plumage characteristic of youth.

From Project Gutenberg

Among the species which thus modify their habits are the red crossbill, the redpoll, the Lapland longspur, and the snowy owl.

From Project Gutenberg

Neither did Anton's crossbill, which dwelt in the stube, have a much happier fate.

From Project Gutenberg

Both sexes have white wing-bars and the male is of a paler, more rosy red than the male of the American Crossbill.

From Project Gutenberg

The crossbill is fitted with a wonderful tool for tearing fir-cones to pieces.

From Project Gutenberg