Scientific name: Coccothraustes coccothraustes
Hawfinches are the UK's largest finch and can be found across Europe and Asia. They are very rare birds - in fact, they are red-listed in the UK and are thought to have a population of less than 1,000 breeding pairs. This can make them a particularly difficult species to spot, combined with their shy nature, these birds can be pretty elusive!
What Do Hawfinches Look Like?
Hawfinches are usually around 18cm in length, with a wingspan that ranges from 29 to 33cm. They are very robust birds with a thick neck, large head and super strong beak. Their beak is even powerful enough to crush a cherry stone!
Hawfinches tend to be brown or orange in colour and their beak can sometimes appear metallic. They also have interesting markings on their body with a black circle around their eyes, a black throat and wings with three stripes in white, brown and dark blue.
What Do Hawfinches Eat?
Hawfinches feed primarily on hard tree and fruit seeds that they crack open using their strong jaw muscles. However, they have also been known to eat berries, buds, sprouts and the occasional caterpillar or beetle.
We would love to know if you have seen any of these beautiful, rare birds in your garden!
