The Red Crossbill

Ginger Andrews • February 7, 2023

By: Ginger Andrews, MMA Field Ornithologist


This chubby irruptive winter finch doesn’t show up every year. They leave the boreal forest when their food—seeds of coniferous trees— fails in the north. So far this has been a great year to find them on Nantucket, with 127 tallied on the Christmas Bird Count. 


The first Red Crossbills seen on Nantucket, three in number, were noted on December 30, 1945. After a large irruption, they may stay to nest where food is abundant. If there is enough, they can breed in that spot year-round. According to the first Massachusetts Breeding Bird Atlas, it is possible that Red Crossbills nested in Madaket at least once between 1975-1980. But no locations, state-wide, were the same during 2007-2011 according to the Breeding Bird Atlas.


Females are greenish yellow; males a dull red. Their naturally twisted beaks are a perfect “cone-opener” allowing them to squeeze open pine or other cones for the delicious seeds within. They also eat spruce, hemlock and fir sees. But on Nantucket, this year, they seem to prefer the cones of the scrubby Japanese Black Pines found near Low Beach. 


They form loose flocks, moving quickly from place to place, as cones begin to open, chattering as they go. They may be discussing where the best eats are! But, there is even more to it than that; their preferences and vocalizations may be giving us new clues.


Red Crossbills are challenging ornithologists’ understanding of how and what separates one species or subspecies from another. They are still undergoing taxonomic revision, with as many as ten separate types—or species—possible. Birds in different flocks, with different, genetics, morphology, and ecological preferences use different calls and specialize in different foods. So, researchers and amateur birders are recording their calls to try and understand these nomadic wanderers. Stay tuned.



Photo by Trish Pastuszak

Recent Posts

Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association to Host Annual Aquarium Release Day

September 23, 2025
NANTUCKET, MA— The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) announces that its annual Aquarium Release Day will take place on Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 10am - 12pm at the MMA Aquarium at 32 Washington Street. A sensory-friendly half hour will be offered from 9:30 – 1oam. Join MMA staff for refreshments and tie-dying as you help the staff release this season’s Aquarium inhabitants back into the ocean. This event is FREE to the public and a great opportunity to learn and celebrate the marine life that lives in the waters of Nantucket Island. The MMA Aquarium is dedicated to educating the public on the importance of biodiversity in our unique marine ecosystems found here on Nantucket. Each summer, the MMA Aquarium Manager, Christina Norman, as well as her team of dedicated college interns and volunteers, explore the shores of Nantucket and find and document an assortment of over 7,500 individual marine animals, most of which are recorded and released. They snorkel, seine, and beachcomb to collect over 300 different marine animals. These animals are studied and cared for so that the MMA can help people to learn more about these important marine organisms while they are featured at the popular Washington Street Aquarium throughout the season. These marine animals represent roughly seventy different species collected by the MMA staff in tandem with local fishermen.  Pre-registration is encouraged. Register at the link below: https://112458a.blackbaudhosting.com/112458a/2025-Aquarium-Release-Day The Maria Mitchell Association was founded in 1902 to preserve the legacy of Nantucket native astronomer, naturalist, librarian, and educator, Maria Mitchell. After she discovered a comet in 1847, Mitchell’s international fame led to many achievements and awards, including an appointment as the first professor of astronomy at Vassar College. Maria Mitchell believed in “learning by doing” and today that philosophy is reflected in the MMA’s mission statement, programs, research projects, and other activities. The Maria Mitchell Association operates two observatories, a natural science museum, an aquarium, a research center, and preserves the historic birthplace of Maria Mitchell. A wide variety of science and history-related programming is offered throughout the year for people of all ages. ###

Cecilia Payne Gaposchkin

By Jascin N. Leonardo Finger • September 22, 2025
Many well-known astronomers visited the MMO in its early days. Many of them with connection to the Harvard Observatory which continued its relationship with the MMO by sending astronomers, researchers, and others to assist in the MMO at various times. A British-born astronomer and astrophysicist, Payne Gaposchkin realized she could not advance in her career in the UK and thus came to the US via a program and became the first person to earn a Ph.D. in astronomy at Radcliffe College – the women’s college of Harvard. Barred from becoming a Harvard professor because of her gender, she completed research and was finally given the title “astronomer.” It was not until 1956 she finally was promoted to full professor. JNLF

Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association Announces Scalloping Field Trip Program October 1 – November 19, 2025

September 12, 2025
NANTUCKET, MA— The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) is pleased to announce the launch of its 2025 Scalloping Field Trip Program, set to begin October 1. This hands-on, educational experience invites participants to explore the island’s coastal waters alongside MMA Aquarium Manager Christina Norman, while learning about the ecology and conservation of Nantucket’s iconic bay scallops. Participants will head into the water to collect scallops while learning about their biology, life cycle, and the challenges bay scallops face in today’s changing environment. Hand nets and adult waders will be provided. A shellfish permit is not required to participate—unless attendees wish to take their catch home. Scalloping Field Trips meet at one of multiple locations in Nantucket Harbor to account for changing scallop availability. Registrants will be notified of the exact location via email before the day of the program. Personal transport to and from the meeting location is required to participate. Dates: October 1, 4, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 29.; November 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 12, 15, 16, 19.  Cost per Participant: $50 Pre-registration is required for this event and closes two hours before the start time of the program. Registration Link: https://112458a.blackbaudhosting.com/112458a/Scalloping-Field-Trip-01Oct2025 For more information on obtaining an individual shellfish permit, visit the Town of Nantucket website: https://www.nantucket-ma.gov/2304/Shellfish-Permit The Science Speaker Series is generously sponsored by the Maria Mitchell Association’s lead sponsor, Bank of America. The Maria Mitchell Association was founded in 1902 to preserve the legacy of Nantucket native astronomer, naturalist, librarian, and educator, Maria Mitchell. After she discovered a comet in 1847, Mitchell’s international fame led to many achievements and awards, including an appointment as the first professor of astronomy at Vassar College. Maria Mitchell believed in “learning by doing” and today that philosophy is reflected in the MMA’s mission statement, programs, research projects, and other activities. The Maria Mitchell Association operates two observatories, a natural science museum, an aquarium, a research center, and preserves the historic birthplace of Maria Mitchell. A wide variety of science and history-related programming is offered throughout the year for people of all ages. ###
Show More