Hello! Are you familiar with the bird called the “Hawfinch”?
Quietly swooping in, the adorable Hawfinch. This small bird, slightly larger than a sparrow, measures about 19cm in length. The male has a brownish head, gray ear feathers, and a thick, large, lead-colored beak, which turns flesh-colored in winter—a distinctive feature. In contrast, the female is paler than the male, with some gray flight feathers. She has a short tail and a charmingly plump body, marked by a pattern around the face that resembles Kabuki makeup, complemented by a sharp gaze.
The Hawfinch is a migratory bird that changes its habitat with the seasons. When migrating, they can be seen forming large flocks. In Japan, after breeding in Hokkaido, they head to Honshu in autumn. Surprisingly, this bird is also commonly found in Europe, making it a somewhat mystical presence across the Eurasian continent.
One of the Hawfinch’s charms is its large beak, capable of exerting over 30kg of force to skillfully crack open hard seeds. Breakfast for the Hawfinch might include tough foods like enoki and maple seeds, challenging for other birds. The Hawfinch’s undulating flight and unique calls like “chichit” and “tweelilit-tsu” are soothing to the heart.
The male displays a deep affection through courtship behavior, spreading his wings and bowing to the female. The sight of two Hawfinches touching beaks is heartwarming, like they are confirming their bond.
Listen to the Hawfinch’s call. Its strong yet gentle presence is sure to warm your heart. Until next time, farewell.
