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New bird species found in Idaho

Coevolution has led to the formation of a species of bird new to science in the continental United States. A distinct red crossbill (Loxia curvirostra complex -- a group of seed-eating finches specializing in extracting seeds from conifer cones) evolved in the last five to seven thousand years in the South Hills of Idaho. As the lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) cones grew tougher to protect the seeds, the bird's bill grew to break through the defenses.

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