Mongolian Finch vs Hawfinch

Bucanetes mongolicus compared with Coccothraustes coccothraustes

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Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Mongolian Finch Hawfinch
Scientific Name Bucanetes mongolicus Coccothraustes coccothraustes
Order Passeriformes Passeriformes
Family Fringillidae Fringillidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length 18.0 cm (7.1 in)
Wingspan 17.0 cm (6.7 in) 32.0 cm (12.6 in)
Weight 22.0 g (0.78 oz) 55.0 g (1.94 oz)
Diet -- Seeds and kernels, especially from cherries, olives, elms, and hornbeams. The bill exerts a force …
Clutch Size 4-6 3-5
Population Trend
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Size Comparison

Body Length
Mongolian Finch
Hawfinch 18.0 cm
Wingspan
Mongolian Finch 17.0 cm
Hawfinch 32.0 cm
Weight
Mongolian Finch 22.0 g
Hawfinch 55.0 g
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Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

None

Mongolian Finch only

None

Hawfinch only

Hawfinch

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

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Song & Call Comparison

Mongolian Finch

Hawfinch

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.

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Geographic Range & Migration

Mongolian Finch

Hawfinch

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

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Conservation Status

Least Concern

Mongolian Finch

Least Concern

Hawfinch

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How to Tell Them Apart

Mongolian Finch

Hawfinch

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

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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.

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Related Comparisons

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