Hawfinch
Least ConcernCoccothraustes coccothraustes
Visual Identification
Hawfinch
Appearance
The Hawfinch is a stocky finch with a massive, powerful bill. Its head is large and rounded, with chestnut-brown plumage, a black bib, and a grey nape. The wings feature distinctive white patches and blue-black flight feathers.
Both sexes are similar, with males slightly brighter overall. Legs are pinkish-brown, and irises are reddish-brown.
Juveniles have paler plumage and lack the black bib - their colouring is more of a mottled yellowish-brown than the richer chestnut tones.
The bird's most striking feature is its enormous, conical bill, which appears blue-grey in the breeding season and horn-coloured in winter.
Size
Length
16.5cm to 18cm
Wingspan
29cm to 33cm
Weight
48g to 62g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Black
Secondary Colour
White Grey
Beak Colour
Grey
Leg Colour
Pink
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Hawfinches inhabit mature deciduous and mixed woodlands across Europe and parts of Asia. They show a preference for forests with hornbeam, beech, and oak trees. In the UK, they are found mainly in southern England and Wales, with some populations in Scotland.
Some northern populations move southward during winter, while others remain resident year-round. In recent years, their range has expanded in some areas, possibly due to climate change, but they have become scarcer in others.
Elevation Range
Up to 2,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Hawfinches primarily feed on seeds and kernels of trees such as hornbeam, beech, and cherry. Their powerful bills allow them to crack open hard fruit stones and extract the kernels.
They also consume buds, shoots, and occasionally insects, especially when feeding their young. In winter, they may visit bird feeders for sunflower seeds.
Behaviour
Hawfinches are typically shy and elusive, often perching high in tree canopies. They move with a bouncing flight pattern and are usually seen in pairs or small flocks.
These birds are known for their remarkable ability to crack open hard seeds and fruit stones with their powerful bills, producing a distinctive cracking sound that can be heard from a distance.
Vocalisation
The Hawfinch has a surprisingly quiet and inconspicuous call for its size. Its most common vocalisation is a sharp, metallic 'tick' or 'pix' sound. Their main song is somewhat similar to the sound of a Robin.
During the breeding season, males produce a quiet, warbling song that is rarely heard. In flight, they emit a soft, high-pitched 'seep' call.
Nesting & Breeding
Hawfinches form monogamous pairs and breed from late April to July. Males perform courtship displays, including puffing up their feathers and making short flights to attract females.
Nests are typically built high in trees, constructed of twigs and lined with fine roots and hair. Females lay 3-5 pale blue or green eggs with dark speckles.
Incubation lasts about 11-13 days, primarily by the female. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after 12-14 days but continue to be fed by adults for several weeks after leaving the nest.
Lifespan
years
The Hawfinch typically lives for 5 to 10 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Hawfinch is listed as Least Concern globally, some local populations have experienced declines. In the UK, for example, the species has significantly decreased in recent decades. Habitat loss and fragmentation of mature woodlands are primary threats. Conservation efforts focus on preserving and managing suitable woodland habitats.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Hawfinches in mature deciduous or mixed woodlands, especially those with hornbeam or wild cherry trees.
- Listen for their distinctive 'tick' call, which can help locate them in dense foliage.
- In the UK, visit sites like the Forest of Dean or Bedgebury Pinetum for better chances of spotting them.
- Use binoculars to spot their unique bill shape and wing patterns when perched high in trees.
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Common Hawfinch
Family:
FringillidaePredators
Adult Hawfinches are preyed upon by birds of prey such as Sparrowhawks and Goshawks. Nest predators include Jays, Magpies, and squirrels, which may take eggs or nestlings.
Did You Know?
- The Hawfinch has one of the strongest bites of any seed-eating bird, capable of exerting a force of up to 50 kg.
- Their unique bill shape is an adaptation for cracking open hard seeds and fruit stones.
- Despite their size, Hawfinches are remarkably elusive and often go unnoticed even in areas where they are resident.
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References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2017. Coccothraustes coccothraustes (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T22720681A111132393.
View source - 3
report, 2015: EBCC