Hawfinch

The Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes

 is a large, elusive finch belonging to the family Fringillidae. It is easily recognized by its powerful, thick bill, large head, and striking plumage, which features warm chestnut tones, black and white wing markings, and a distinctive black bib. The BTO code for the Hawfinch is HF.

Hawfinches inhabit mature woodlands, particularly those with a mix of broadleaf trees such as oak, hornbeam, and cherry. They are specialist seed-crackers, using their immense bill strength to break open hard seeds and fruit stones, including cherry, plum, and hawthorn. Their secretive nature makes them difficult to spot, but they are sometimes seen in treetops or feeding on the ground in quiet woodland clearings.

In the UK, Hawfinches breed from April to July, mainly in southern and western England, Wales, and parts of Scotland. They nest high in trees, constructing shallow, cup-shaped nests from twigs, moss, and lichen. Clutches usually consist of 2-5 pale blue eggs with dark speckles, incubated by the female for around 11-14 days. Chicks fledge after 10-14 days but remain dependent on their parents for a few more weeks.

The UK Hawfinch population has declined significantly due to habitat loss, changes in woodland management, and increased nest predation. Once widespread, they are now scarce, with an estimated 500-1,000 breeding pairs remaining. Their secretive nature makes it difficult to monitor exact numbers.

The Hawfinch is listed as Red on the Birds of Conservation Concern (BoCC) 5 due to its severe population decline. It is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Threats to Hawfinches include woodland fragmentation, reduced availability of key food sources, and climate change, which may impact breeding success and migration patterns. Conservation efforts for Hawfinches focus on protecting and restoring mature woodlands, promoting traditional woodland management practices, and improving habitat connectivity. Surveys and ringing programs help track populations, while efforts to maintain fruiting tree species support their food supply. Public engagement and education about the importance of woodland conservation are also crucial to securing the future of this striking but elusive bird.