Common Crossbill - 2003-07

No Common Crossbills were found during the 1984-88 survey. They were recorded in four tetrads during the 2003-07 survey, though there was no firm evidence of breeding in the county. This species breeds very early in the year and is strongly dispersive, which means on the dates birds were seen here they could have come from one of the neighbouring counties, in both of which they are habitual breeders. The only proven breeding in Pembrokeshire was in 1991, following an autumn invasion in 1990.

Crossbills in Ceredigion mostly fledge from February to April but fledging has been recorded from December to July (R. Liford, pers com). To be certain of breeding in Pembrokeshire nest sites must be found, which will require fieldwork effort early in the year. 

Graham Rees

Fieldwork 2003-07

Red = breeding confirmed = 0

Orange = breeding probable = 1

Yellow = breeding possible = 2

Total tetrads in which registered = 3