Chinese Grosbeak vs Hawfinch

Eophona migratoria compared with Coccothraustes coccothraustes

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Chinese Grosbeak Hawfinch
Scientific Name Eophona migratoria Coccothraustes coccothraustes
Order Passeriformes Passeriformes
Family Fringillidae Fringillidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length 18.0 cm (7.1 in)
Wingspan 19.5 cm (7.7 in) 32.0 cm (12.6 in)
Weight 47.25 g (1.67 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 3-5 3-5
Population Trend

Size Comparison

Body Length
Chinese Grosbeak
Hawfinch 18.0 cm
Wingspan
Chinese Grosbeak 19.5 cm
Hawfinch 32.0 cm
Weight
Chinese Grosbeak 47.25 g
Hawfinch 55.0 g

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Chinese Grosbeak only

None

Hawfinch only

None

Hawfinch

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

Song & Call Comparison

Chinese Grosbeak

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.

Geographic Range & Migration

Chinese Grosbeak

Hawfinch

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

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Chinese Grosbeak

Least Concern

Hawfinch

How to Tell Them Apart

Chinese Grosbeak

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

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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