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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 two-barred crossbill has a strong preference for larch (Larix), in Eurosiberia using Siberian larch (Larix sibirica) and Dahurian larch (L. gmelinii), and in North America Tamarack larch (L. laricina).
The cone of Pinophyta (conifer clade) contains the reproductive structures. The woody cone is the female cone, which produces seeds. The male cone, which produces pollen, is usually ephemeral and much less conspicuous even at full maturity. The name "cone" derives from Greek konos (pine cone), which also gave name to the geometric cone.
The form of the cone varies from cylindrical to spherical, reaching up to 80 millimetres (3.1 in) in length in the largest species. The bract-scale complexes are helically arranged around the core. There is one central undivided and two lateral ovuliferous scale lobes, with each ovuliferous scale bearing one or two seeds, which are up to 11 by ...
The different species specialize in feeding on different conifer species, with the bill shape optimized for opening that species of conifer. This is achieved by inserting the bill between the conifer cone scales and twisting the lower mandible towards the side to which it crosses, enabling the bird to extract the seed at the bottom of the scale ...
Various insects are also taken, including bee and wasp larvae, and also birds' eggs and nestlings, and carrion if it is found. Nesting is always early in this genus, so as to make the best use of pine nuts stored the previous autumn. The nest is usually built high in a conifer. There are normally 2–4 eggs laid and incubated for 18 days.
The Pinaceae (/ p ɪ ˈ n eɪ s iː ˌ iː,-s i ˌ aɪ /), or pine family, are conifer trees or shrubs, including many of the well-known conifers of commercial importance such as cedars, firs, hemlocks, piñons, larches, pines and spruces.
The pine grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator) is a large member of the true finch family, Fringillidae.It is the only species in the genus Pinicola.It is found in coniferous woods across Alaska, the western mountains of the United States, Canada, and in subarctic Fennoscandia and across the Palearctic to Siberia.
Males and young birds also have red markings on the neck or head. This species is found across the Palearctic including parts of North Africa. Across most of its range it is resident , but in the north some will migrate if the conifer cone crop fails.