Common Crossbill

🔍 Overview

A chunky finch with a unique bill adapted for extracting conifer seeds. Irregular breeder and irruptive winter visitor in Sussex.

🪶 Key Identification Features

Male: Brick-red body

Female/juvenile: Greenish or yellow

Other: Thick neck, crossed bill tips, heavy head

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Best found in pine plantations like Ashdown Forest, St Leonard’s Forest, and Worth Forest. May appear in flocks after irruption years.

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

Metallic “glip-glip” call in flight. Often heard before seen; feeds acrobatically in conifer tops.