Hawfinch

The hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes) is the largest finch in the United Kingdom, but its numbers have been in decline in recent years and it is on the “red list” of endangered bird species in the UK. It is more plentiful in continental Europe and across Asia as far as Japan. The hawfinch is migratory over some of its European range, so that the resident UK population is supplemented in winter by visitors from the continent. Even so, the chances of seeing a hawfinch are greatest in a few limited areas, notably western England (not the south-west), the home counties, and southern England to the south of London.

Its habitats comprise thin deciduous woodland, large parks, orchards and gardens, at all altitudes from lowland to mountains.

Appearance

The most distinctive feature of the hawfinch is its huge (for a bird of its size) parrot-shaped beak, which is used for cracking open cherry stones and other large seeds. Its head and neck are suitably large and well-muscled for performing this operation.

The hawfinch measures around 16-17 centimetres (6.5 inches) in length. It has long wings and a short, squarish tail. The head is a rich brown colour, with a grey neckband and a black bib. The underparts are mainly a pinkish brown and the upperparts a darker brown. The wings are glossy black with white patches, and the tail has a white tip. Female hawfinches are not as richly coloured as the males.

Behaviour

The flight is fast, undulating and high. Hawfinches often perch in treetops, and come to ground infrequently during the breeding season. They are therefore more easily spotted at other times of the year, especially when the trees are leafless and hawfinches are more likely to feed on the ground. When on the ground they stand quite upright, hopping or walking.

Adult hawfinches will take insects on the wing, but the main part of its diet comprises seeds and kernels as mentioned above.

The song of the hawfinch is not easily heard, being soft and unobtrusive, and consisting of clicks and whistles.

Breeding

  

The nest is built in late April or early May, anything from two to ten metres above the ground in broadleaved or fruit trees. A thick layer of twigs is surmounted by a nest of roots, plant stalks and grass that is lined with hairs and soft, fine vegetation. Four to six eggs are incubated by the hen hawfinch alone, who is brought food by the cock. The nestlings hatch after about 14 days and are fed insects and soft seeds until they leave the nest after a further two weeks. Only one brood is raised.

© John Welford