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Parrot crossbill (Loxia pytyopsittacus)

The parrot crossbill is an extremely rare species in the Netherlands, except for this winter. Since november there has been an "invasion" from Scandinavia and Russia. They can be spotted in open coniferous forests. They are specialist feeders on conifer cones, and the unusual bill shape is an adaptation to assist the extraction of the seeds from the cone. The reddish clour of the male is fantastic and contrasts beautifully with the blue winter sky.

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Uploaded on February 25, 2018
Taken on February 25, 2018