ExploreBirds

Hawfinch

Coccothraustes coccothraustes

The Hawfinch is a colorful bird with a big beak that helps it crack open hard seeds. It has a lovely song and can be found in forests and gardens. Watch for its bright orange and black feathers!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Hawfinch is a stocky, large-headed bird with a massive, cone-shaped bill. It has a warm orange-brown head, grey nape, and striking dark blue primary feathers with a distinct white wing patch. Its short tail is dark with white tips.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyFringillidaeGenusCoccothraustes
Hawfinch
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Hawfinch

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Their powerful jaws can exert a force of over 50 kilograms to crack seeds!

They cleverly strip the fruit flesh off to reach the nutritious, hard seeds inside.

You might hear a distinct 'crack!' sound from its beak when it's eating tough fruit pits.

Young Hawfinches have spotted chests, which helps them blend into dappled light!

Special abilities

Ability

Super Cracker Beak

Hawfinch can crack open incredibly tough seeds and fruit pits because of its massive, powerful beak and jaw muscles.

Ability

Jaw Powerhouse

Hawfinch has incredibly strong jaw muscles that help them generate immense force, equivalent to up to 100 kg!

Ability

Disappearing Act

Hawfinch can hide very well in dense tree foliage because its subtly patterned plumage provides excellent camouflage.

Measurements & details

Length
18 cm
Wingspan
29-33 cm
Weight
0.05-0.07 kg
Lifespan
5-10 years
Top Speed
55 km/h
Clutch Size
2-7
Incubation
11-14 days
Migration Distance
2000 km

Diet & Feeding

These birds mostly eat tough seeds and fruits, with some insects.

Primary Foods

  • Hawthorn berries
  • Cherry pits
  • Hornbeam seeds
  • Beech nuts
  • Plum stones
  • Sunflower seeds

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Eurasian Sparrowhawk

Accipiter nisus

Adults and fledglings can be prey.

eaten by

Tawny Owl

Strix aluco

Mainly preys on adults during the night.

depends on

Common Hawthorn

Crataegus monogyna

Relies heavily on its berries and seeds for food.

depends on

Wild Cherry

Prunus avium

Cracks open cherry stones for the nutritious kernel.

depends on

European Hornbeam

Carpinus betulus

Feeds on the hard seeds found within its fruit.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance and don't try to touch or catch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Hawfinch?

18 cm

What is Hawfinch's wingspan?

29-33 cm

How much does Hawfinch weigh?

0.05-0.07 kg

How long does Hawfinch live?

5-10 years

How fast can Hawfinch move?

55 km/h

What does Hawfinch eat?

These birds mostly eat tough seeds and fruits, with some insects.

Where is Hawfinch usually found?

Forests

How does Hawfinch hunt?

Foraging

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