Hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes)
Species
Hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes). Taken at Northmoor, Oxon., on February 5th 2018.
Taken at Northmoor, Oxon., on February 5th 2018.
(1/320th sec at f9. Click image for larger version. © David Hastings)

Description

L:15.5 - 17.5cm; WS: 29 - 33cm

The Hawfinch is the UK's largest finch and has a massive, powerful bill.

Hawfinches are now mostly restricted to England, and have declined in many areas. Parts of western England near the Welsh Borders, the Home Counties and the south-east from Hampshire to Kent remain the most likely places to find them.

Breeding habitat is mixed woods, in parks and larger gardens, in churchyards etc, with some conifers.

Hawfinches often perch high in trees.

The Hawfinch has Red status on the UK list. There are 500-1,000 breeding pairs, and 10 to 15000 birds over-winter here.

Sightings

15-Feb-2023 : Great Tew, Oxon (1)

05-Feb-2020 : Lynford Arboretum, Norfolk (c10)

05-Feb-2018 : Northmoor, Oxon (2)
17-Jan-2018 : Northmoor, Oxon (2)
10-Jan-2018 : Northmoor, Oxon (12)
07-Jan-2018 : Northmoor, Oxon (c9)

30-Nov-2017 : Barnard Gate, Oxon (4)
23-Nov-2017 : Barnard Gate, Oxon (c.25)
06-Jun-2017 : Irinovac, Croatia

07-May-2007 : Dorgali, Sardinia
06-May-2007 : Cala Luna, Sardinina
03-May-2007 : Dorgali, Sardinia