Hawfinch vs Northern Cardinal

Coccothraustes coccothraustes مقارنةً بـ Cardinalis cardinalis

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Side-by-Side Comparison

السمة Hawfinch Northern Cardinal
الاسم العلمي Coccothraustes coccothraustes Cardinalis cardinalis
الرتبة Passeriformes Passeriformes
الفصيلة Fringillidae Cardinalidae
حالة الحفاظ Least Concern Least Concern
الطول 18,0 cm (7.1 in) 22,0 cm (8.7 in)
طول الجناح 32,0 cm (12.6 in) 30,0 cm (11.8 in)
الوزن 55,0 g (1.94 oz) 44,0 g (1.55 oz)
النظام الغذائي Seeds and kernels, especially from cherries, olives, elms, and hornbeams. The bill exerts a force … Seeds, grains, fruits, and insects. Especially fond of sunflower seeds at bird feeders. Feeds mainly …
عدد البيض في الوضع 3-5 1-5
Population Trend
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Size Comparison

Body Length
Hawfinch 18,0 cm
Northern Cardinal 22,0 cm
طول الجناح
Hawfinch 32,0 cm
Northern Cardinal 30,0 cm
الوزن
Hawfinch 55,0 g
Northern Cardinal 44,0 g
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Habitat Comparison

الموائل المشتركة

Hawfinch only

بلا

Northern Cardinal only

بلا

Hawfinch

Deciduous and mixed woodland, orchards, parks, and large gardens with mature fruiting trees.

Northern Cardinal

Woodland edges, thickets, gardens, and suburban areas. Prefers dense shrubby habitats for nesting.

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Song & Call Comparison

Hawfinch

الغناء

A sharp, metallic 'tsick' call — the primary vocalization and often all that's heard. Song is a thin, reedy warble. Generally inconspicuous vocally despite its striking appearance.

Northern Cardinal

الغناء

Loud, clear whistled phrases: 'cheer-cheer-cheer' and 'birdy-birdy-birdy'. Both male and female sing; female song is softer. Alarm is a sharp metallic 'chink'.

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Geographic Range & Migration

Hawfinch

Europe, North Africa, and western and central Asia. Partially migratory, with northern populations moving south in winter.

Northern Cardinal

Eastern and central North America from southern Canada to Mexico and Guatemala. Expanding range northward.

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حالة الحفاظ

Least Concern

Hawfinch

Least Concern

Northern Cardinal

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How to Tell Them Apart

Hawfinch

الريش

Orange-brown head with a black bib and eye stripe. Warm brown back, grey nape, and broad white wing bar. Massive head and bill give a top-heavy appearance.

المنقار

Enormously powerful, conical, pale bill capable of cracking cherry and olive stones

Northern Cardinal

الريش

Males are brilliant crimson red overall with a black face mask. Females are warm buffy brown with reddish tinges on wings, crest, and tail.

المنقار

Thick, conical, bright orange-red bill

Key Differences

  • • Weight: Northern Cardinal (44g) vs Hawfinch (55g)
  • • Length: Northern Cardinal (22 cm) vs Hawfinch (18 cm)
  • • Wingspan: Northern Cardinal (30 cm) vs Hawfinch (32 cm)
  • • Family: Northern Cardinal (Cardinalidae) vs Hawfinch (Fringillidae)
  • • Habitat: Northern Cardinal prefers Woodland edges, thickets, gardens, and suburban areas. Prefe; Hawfinch prefers Deciduous and mixed woodland, orchards, parks, and large gar
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About These Birds

Hawfinch

The hawfinch possesses the most powerful bill relative to body size of any European bird, capable of cracking cherry stones that require a force of 27-43 kg. Despite its distinctive appearance, it is famously shy and difficult to observe. The skull contains special adaptations to absorb the enormous forces generated during seed-cracking.

Northern Cardinal

The northern cardinal is the state bird of seven US states, more than any other species. Unlike many songbirds, both males and females sing, often in duets. Cardinals do not migrate and their brilliant red plumage against winter snow makes them a favorite among backyard birdwatchers.

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