Deciduous and mixed woodland, orchards, parks, and large gardens with mature fruiting trees.
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Song & Call Comparison
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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.
Lesser Koa-finch
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Geographic Range & Migration
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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.
Lesser Koa-finch
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Conservation Status Comparison
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Conservation Status
Least Concern
Hawfinch
Extinct
Lesser Koa-finch
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Identification Tips — How to Tell Them Apart
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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
Lesser Koa-finch
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About Each Bird (Descriptions)
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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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More Birds in Family
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