Hawfinch vs Maui Parrotbill

Coccothraustes coccothraustes compared with Pseudonestor xanthophrys

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Hawfinch Maui Parrotbill
Scientific Name Coccothraustes coccothraustes Pseudonestor xanthophrys
Order Passeriformes Passeriformes
Family Fringillidae Fringillidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Critically Endangered
Length 18.0 cm (7.1 in)
Wingspan 32.0 cm (12.6 in) 14.4 cm (5.7 in)
Weight 55.0 g (1.94 oz) 22.725 g (0.80 oz)
Diet Seeds and kernels, especially from cherries, olives, elms, and hornbeams. The bill exerts a force … --
Clutch Size 3-5 1-2
Population Trend

Size Comparison

Body Length
Hawfinch 18.0 cm
Maui Parrotbill
Wingspan
Hawfinch 32.0 cm
Maui Parrotbill 14.4 cm
Weight
Hawfinch 55.0 g
Maui Parrotbill 22.725 g

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Hawfinch only

None

Maui Parrotbill only

None

Hawfinch

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

Song & Call Comparison

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.

Maui Parrotbill

Geographic Range & Migration

Hawfinch

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

Maui Parrotbill

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Hawfinch

Critically Endangered

Maui Parrotbill

How to Tell Them Apart

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

Maui Parrotbill

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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