crossbill

noun

cross·​bill ˈkrȯs-ˌbil 

: any of a genus (Loxia of the family Fringillidae) of finches with curved mandibles that cross each other

Examples of crossbill in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Modest numbers of red crossbills at the Montague Sandplains Wildlife Management Area in Montague where at least 33 were tallied. —BostonGlobe.com, 19 Aug. 2023

At Birch Hill Wildlife Management Area in Winchendon three acadian flycatchers and 28 red crossbills were counted, and five evening grosbeaks were present in Royalston. —BostonGlobe.com, 19 Aug. 2023

Worcester County: Four sandhill cranes on Hall Road in Hardwick and eight red crossbills at gate 43 at Quabbin Reservoir in Hardwick. —BostonGlobe.com, 19 Aug. 2023

In addition, scattered small flocks of red crossbills continue to be reported from a number of localities in western parts of the state. —BostonGlobe.com, 5 Aug. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1672, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

crossbill

noun

cross·​bill -ˌbil 

: any of a genus of finches with the upper and lower parts of the bill curved so that they cross each other when the bill is closed

Legal Definition

cross bill

see bill sense 3a