
Nearly Half of the Cassia Crossbill's Population Could Be Lost After Wildfire
The birds live on two small mountain ranges in Idaho, and a blaze recently engulfed one of them. “Our alarm levels should be red," scientist says.
Photo: Zak Pohlen
Loxia sinesciuris
Conservation status | Common in its limited range, with an estimated population of about 6,000, but vulnerable just because its total distribution is so small. The species could be wiped out by fires or other factors in the two mountain ranges where it lives. |
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Family | Finches |
Like other crossbills, usually forages in flocks. Clambers about over the cones of lodgepole pines, using its odd crossed bill tip to pry the cone scales apart to get at the seeds inside.
Feeds mainly on the seeds of lodgepole pine.
Unlike other crossbills, which may nest at almost any season, Cassia Crossbills are consistent in their timing. They usually begin building their open cup-shaped nests in late March or early April, and the breeding season ends by late July.
The birds live on two small mountain ranges in Idaho, and a blaze recently engulfed one of them. “Our alarm levels should be red," scientist says.
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