Pine Grosbeak

Species: Pine Grosbeak
Latin name: Pinicola enucleator
English name: Pine Grosbeak, Pine Rosefinch
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Fringillidae

Description:

Habitat: Northern Europe, from Norway to Siberia, north-eastern China, Japan, Alaska, Canada and the western United States. Its preferred habitats are coniferous forests, alder and birch forests, and orchards.

The adult male is dark pink with grey markings. Its flight feathers are black except for the tertials, which are edged with white. There is also a grey line across the cheeks.

The female is a dull yellow colour. Her underparts and chin are grey.

First-year males resemble the female, except for the rump, which is orange-yellow, and the head, which is predominantly russet-brown.

The Crossbill requires plenty of space when kept in captivity. The recommended aviary size for a pair is 2–3 m × 2 m × 1 m. The aviary should be fitted with conifer branches (as for the Crossbills).

Previous experience with the Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) is recommended.

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