Scottish Crossbill
Loxia scotica
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Distribution Britain 59 (??%) Ireland 0
Numbers breeding: Britain 1000 ? Ireland 0 European status: 600 (100% in Britain and Ireland =1) British population trend: steady, we hope! How likely are you to record it? 7 squares (0.2%) Ranked 159 |
These birds are not at all easy to identify but they are thought to be long-term residents of the Caledonian pine forests and the only species endemic to Britain. They were identified from 59 10-km squares in the second Breeding Atlas (not recognised as separate species at the time of the first). Recently it has been suggested that some of the bigger billed birds breeding in these areas may be irrupting Parrot Crossbills. The plot thickens but, if they exist, the Scottish Crossbill seems to be secure.
UKBAP Scottish Natural Heritage RSPB
From
The
State of the Nations Birds
Copyright © 2000 by Chris Mead