Hawfinch
Coccothraustes coccothraustes
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<birdfyi-bird slug="hawfinch"></birdfyi-bird>About
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.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Body Length | 18.0 cm | 7.1 in |
| Wingspan | 32.0 cm | 12.6 in |
| Weight | 55.0 g | 1.94 oz |
Identification
Plumage
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.
Bill
Enormously powerful, conical, pale bill capable of cracking cherry and olive stones
Habitat & Range
Deciduous and mixed woodland, orchards, parks, and large gardens with mature fruiting trees.
Geographic Range
Europe, North Africa, and western and central Asia. Partially migratory, with northern populations moving south in winter.
Diet & Feeding
Seeds and kernels, especially from cherries, olives, elms, and hornbeams. The bill exerts a force of over 50 kg to crack hard seeds.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: CP. Incubation: 11-13 days. Fledging: 12-13 days.
Clutch Size
3-5
Sound
Song
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.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes (Songbirds) |
| Family | Fringillidae (Finches) |
| Genus | Coccothraustes |
| Species | Coccothraustes coccothraustes |
Names in Other Languages
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| German | Kernbeißer |
| Spanish | Picogordo |
Distribution
Hawfinch has been recorded in 5 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hawfinch eat?
Where does the Hawfinch live?
Is the Hawfinch endangered?
How does the Hawfinch nest?
What does the Hawfinch sound like?
How big is the Hawfinch?
What order and family does the Hawfinch belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Fringillidae family