Loxia curvirostra
Range
They are found in southern Alaska, across Canada, into the northern U.S. and down through the Rocky Mountains into Mexico.
Habitat
They live in coniferous forests.
Body Traits
They have brick-red bodies with darker wings. Their bill crosses at the tip. Females are dull-colored with a yellow “rump” patch.
Habits
They travel in small flocks all year round. Their bills are made for getting seeds from pinecones.
Diet
They eat mostly conifer seeds, but will also eat tree buds, berries and insects.
Reproduction
They can breed at any time of year if there are enough seeds to eat — even in the winter. They stay with the same mate for life (monogamous) in their flock. The female builds a cup-shaped nest of loose twigs, grass, and bark and lays 3 eggs. The male brings her food while she sits on the eggs for about two weeks (incubates).
Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vetebrata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Fringillidae
Genus: Loxia
Species: L. curvirostra