hawfinch
Cocothraustes cocothraustes

Our largest finch, with an outsize bill for tackling fruit stones

Habitat: open deciduous woodland, especially hornbeam, oak and birch

Uncommon resident

Rufous-brown bird with black-and-white wings, large head and massive bill; 16–17 cm

Shy birds, usually keeping to the top of tall trees; move into more open country in winter, forming small flocks

Feed mainly on large seeds and fruit stones, sometimes haws and beech mast, occasionally insects

Nest is a cup of roots and grass, usually on a high branch

1, sometimes 2, broods April to May; 4–6 pale blue eggs, spotted dark brown