CROSSBILL, Lazio, a genus of birds of the family/II/wit/We, much resembling bull. finches, linnets, etc., except in the bill, which is altogether singular; the two mandibles —which are rather long, thick at the base, and much curved—crossing each other at the points, when the bill is closed. In different individuals, even of the same species, the upper and lower mandibles are found variously directed to the right and left. This conformation was rashly characterized by Button as "an error and defect in nature, and a useless deformity;" whereas, it is an admirable adaptation to the wants and habits of the birds, and other peculiarities of their structure beautifully correspond with it— the bill being articulated to the head in such a manner that the mandibles are capable not merely of vertical but of lateral motion, and muscles of extraordinary power, in comparison with the size of the bird, being provided for moving them. The result of all this is, that Ora crossbills readily obtain their principal• food, the seeds of firs and pines, by tearing up the cones. They bring the points of the mandibles together— which they can do so as to pick up a very small seed—and insert them into the cone, when a powerful lateral movement widens the opening quite sufficiently, and the tongue, which terminates in a singular movable scoop, formed of a bone articulated to the os hyoidcs, or ordinary bone of the tongue, is inserted to detach the seed. The power of
the bill is such that it can be employed in its lateral movements to tear wood to pieces, and crossbills in confinement seem to take a mischievous pleasure in so employing it, and by this means, and pulling at wires, soon destroy any ordinary cage. An apple is cut to pieces almost in an instant, in order that its seeds may be reached; and flocks of these birds sometimes do great mischief in orchards. Only three species are known, all of which have been found in Britain, although only one, the common C. (L. cerviroatra) is of frequent occurrence. It sometimes occurs in considerable numbers, but in most years is scarcely to be seen. It is a native of Europe, Asia, and North America, dwell ing chiefly in pine forests, and extending as far n. as they do, not dreading the coldest climates.