Hawfinch vs Northern Cardinal
Coccothraustes coccothraustes verglichen mit Cardinalis cardinalis
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Merkmal | Hawfinch | Northern Cardinal |
|---|---|---|
| Wissenschaftlicher Name | Coccothraustes coccothraustes | Cardinalis cardinalis |
| Ordnung | Passeriformes | Passeriformes |
| Familie | Fringillidae | Cardinalidae |
| Erhaltungsstatus | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Länge | 18,0 cm (7.1 in) | 22,0 cm (8.7 in) |
| Flügelspannweite | 32,0 cm (12.6 in) | 30,0 cm (11.8 in) |
| Gewicht | 55,0 g (1.94 oz) | 44,0 g (1.55 oz) |
| Ernährung | Seeds and kernels, especially from cherries, olives, elms, and hornbeams. The bill exerts a force … | Seeds, grains, fruits, and insects. Especially fond of sunflower seeds at bird feeders. Feeds mainly … |
| Gelegegröße | 3-5 | 1-5 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
Hawfinch
Deciduous and mixed woodland, orchards, parks, and large gardens with mature fruiting trees.
Northern Cardinal
Woodland edges, thickets, gardens, and suburban areas. Prefers dense shrubby habitats for nesting.
Song & Call Comparison
Hawfinch
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.
Northern Cardinal
Loud, clear whistled phrases: 'cheer-cheer-cheer' and 'birdy-birdy-birdy'. Both male and female sing; female song is softer. Alarm is a sharp metallic 'chink'.
Geographic Range & Migration
Hawfinch
Europe, North Africa, and western and central Asia. Partially migratory, with northern populations moving south in winter.
Northern Cardinal
Eastern and central North America from southern Canada to Mexico and Guatemala. Expanding range northward.
Erhaltungsstatus
Hawfinch
Northern Cardinal
How to Tell Them Apart
Hawfinch
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.
Enormously powerful, conical, pale bill capable of cracking cherry and olive stones
Northern Cardinal
Males are brilliant crimson red overall with a black face mask. Females are warm buffy brown with reddish tinges on wings, crest, and tail.
Thick, conical, bright orange-red bill
Key Differences
- • Weight: Northern Cardinal (44g) vs Hawfinch (55g)
- • Length: Northern Cardinal (22 cm) vs Hawfinch (18 cm)
- • Wingspan: Northern Cardinal (30 cm) vs Hawfinch (32 cm)
- • Family: Northern Cardinal (Cardinalidae) vs Hawfinch (Fringillidae)
- • Habitat: Northern Cardinal prefers Woodland edges, thickets, gardens, and suburban areas. Prefe; Hawfinch prefers Deciduous and mixed woodland, orchards, parks, and large gar
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.
Northern Cardinal
The northern cardinal is the state bird of seven US states, more than any other species. Unlike many songbirds, both males and females sing, often in duets. Cardinals do not migrate and their brilliant red plumage against winter snow makes them a favorite among backyard birdwatchers.