Crossbills are nomadic finches that specialize in eating the seeds of Hemlock, Douglas-fir, Pine and Spruce cones. Their unique, crossed bills are adapted for opening unbroken cones that other birds can't get into. ​

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Unlike most Canadian birds, the life of a Crossbill is not divided into the usual seasons of migration and breeding. They live by the cone, it could be said - roaming the land in search of plentiful cone crops. They 'migrate' whenever suits their needs, and will breed and raise families at any time of year - even the dead of winter - so long as they've found an area with enough cones. They are one of the only songbirds that lays eggs during the Canadian winter.

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Red Crossbills can be found year-round in Nootka Sound, and are quite common when local cone crops are heavy. They are more often heard than seen, as they prefer the tops of tall coniferous trees. 

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