The female constructs a small cup shaped nest from twigs, grasses and lichen which it lines with moss, fine forest debris and animal hair/wool. Generally, the nest is located high up in conifer trees where a single clutch of 3 to 4 pale blue and browny purple marked eggs is laid between January to March. The incubation period is around two weeks with fledging taking place up to twenty five days thereafter. Whilst the breeding season is commonly referred to as the period between January to March this is very dependant upon the availability of food and it has been known for crossbills in some locales to breed from the autumn through the winter.