Common Crossbill Male and Female ( Loxia curvirostra )
H Goodchild
from the book 'British Birds' Kirkman & Jourdain....Birdbooksdirect.com
mapDescription.-Length ,6.5 inches.Recognized by crossed tips of bill.Male crimson with touch of orange,but variable in depth,wings and tail dark brown.Female yellowish green,with wings and tail as male.Juveniles brown above,lighter below,with dusty striations,later changing in male to greenish yellow and tawny orange before assumption of red plumage.The Scottish Crossbill has a deeper and more massive bill.
*See also the excellent Poyser title 'Pine Crossbills' here
Jack Snipe and Merlin by G.E Lodge here