Newfoundland crossbill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Newfoundland crossbill |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Mounted specimen | |
Scientific classification  |
|
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Fringillidae |
| Subfamily: | Carduelinae |
| Genus: | Loxia |
| Species: | |
| Subspecies: |
L. c. percna
|
| Trinomial name | |
| Loxia curvirostra percna Bent, 1834
|
|
The Newfoundland red crossbill is a special kind of crossbill bird. It belongs to a group of birds called a genus that all have a unique crossed beak. This special beak helps them open tightly closed spruce or pine cones. They use their beaks to get to the tasty seeds hidden inside the cones. These seeds are found all over the island of Newfoundland.
Contents
About the Newfoundland Red Crossbill
The Newfoundland red crossbill is a fascinating bird. It has some unique features and habits that make it stand out.
What Makes It Special?
The most amazing thing about this bird is its beak! Unlike most birds, its upper and lower beak tips cross over each other. This isn't a mistake; it's a perfect tool. The crossed beak works like a tiny crowbar. It helps the bird pry open the tough cones of spruce and pine trees. This way, they can easily get to the seeds inside, which are their main food source.
Where Does It Live?
For a long time, people thought this bird lived only on Newfoundland. When an animal or plant lives only in one specific place, it's called endemic. However, scientists have now found these birds also breeding on Anticosti Island. This island is in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and is part of Quebec. So, while they love Newfoundland, they can be found in other places too!
What Does It Look Like?
The Newfoundland red crossbill is a small bird, usually about 5.5 to 6.5 inches long. That's about the length of a pencil! Its wing is around 3.75 inches, and its special beak is about 0.70 inches long.
- Adult Males: They are a dull red color. Their lower back, called the rump, is often a bit brighter red. Their wings and tail are black.
- Adult Females: They are mostly olive-gray. You might see some yellow on their rump and sometimes on their belly. Their wings and tail are a dark grayish color.
- Young Birds (Juveniles): Their colors can change a lot! They might be olive-green, yellow, or even reddish.
Why Is It Called 'Spruce Mope'?
Locally, people in Newfoundland call this bird the spruce mope. This funny name comes from how they act. When they are eating seeds high up in the spruce trees, they move very slowly. They seem to "mope" around, taking their time to find and extract each seed. You might sometimes see them with another bird called the white-winged crossbill, which is a little bigger.
How Does It Reproduce?
Newfoundland red crossbills build their nests in conifer trees, like spruce and pine. They are careful builders! They make their nests from small twigs or strips of bark. To make the nest cozy, they line it with soft materials like mosses, animal hair, or fur.
Female crossbills usually lay 4 to 5 eggs. These eggs are a pretty greenish-blue color. They also have small spots of brown and lavender, making each egg unique.
