Hawfinch
NameHawfinch
Common NameHawfinch
Scientific NameCoccothraustes coccothraustes
FamilyFringillidae
Wingspan (cm)31
Length (cm)18
Weight (g)55
Plumage DetailsAdult Hawfinches have a warm tawny-orange head, a grey nape, and a prominent black mask around the eyes extending to the chin. The back is brown, while the wings are dark with a broad white wing bar and iridescent blue secondary feathers. Underparts are pale pinkish-buff, and the tail has a white tip.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a sharp, metallic 'tzik' or 'ptik', often given in flight. It also has a soft, thin 'siiip' contact call.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsforest, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across temperate Europe and Asia, extending into parts of North Africa. It is largely resident but northern populations may migrate south in winter.
Identifying FeaturesMassive pale blue-grey conical bill, Warm tawny-orange head, Black facial mask and chin, Grey nape, Iridescent blue wing patches, White wing bars, White-tipped tail
Description
The Hawfinch is a large, stocky finch with a distinctive massive, conical bill adapted for cracking hard seeds. It exhibits a striking plumage of warm browns, greys, and iridescent blues, often found in deciduous and mixed woodlands.
