How to attract the large beak stone-cracker in your garden?

The gros bec bird is known for its large beak, which allows it to easily crack open seeds and nuts to extract the kernels inside.

Let’s start by introducing the Hawfinch (*Coccothraustes coccothraustes*), an astonishing bird in many ways. This passerine is a member of the Fringillidae family, which includes the Hawfinch, the Goldfinch, the Tree Sparrows, and the European Greenfinch. However, it is undoubtedly the largest of them all. With a length of up to 18 cm and a weight ranging from 60 to 70 g, the Hawfinch asserts its presence. Moreover, it has a particularly sturdy and massive body. Its compact silhouette is characterized by a lack of neck, a short tail, and an imposing head.

In terms of plumage, the Hawfinch is unique. It is mainly colored in russet, orange-brown, fawn, light chestnut, and light grey. On the wings, one can see the black of the flight feathers, punctuated by a white band and bluish reflections. From the throat to the belly, the plumage is more beige. Besides these quite characteristic colors, it is especially the beak that allows distinguishing it from other birds. A beak so particular that it gives its name to this bird. Indeed, this Fringillidae is equipped with a conical, robust, and huge beak. An appendage that allows it to crush stones with impressive force for such a small bird! It can exert a crushing force of about 20 to 40 kg with a single peck! It goes without saying that the Hawfinch is a true force of nature. A force it only uses for feeding.

The female closely resembles the male, but in a duller way.

Not at all aggressive, this bird is sometimes distinguished by a typical call equivalent to a “tick” and its rather calm, short song.

Lifestyle, Reproduction, and Habitat of the Hawfinch

With a bit of luck (I had it!), one can sometimes catch sight of a Hawfinch coming to feed in the bird feeders during very cold winter weather. And, due to its size, it really stands out among the tits, finches, sparrows, and other elegant goldfinches. However, outside of this winter period, the Hawfinch is relatively shy and more discreet.

Where can the Hawfinch be found?

Coccothraustes coccothraustes is primarily a forest bird that frequents closed wooded areas, leafy or mixed forests, large parks, and gardens, and occasionally orchards where it can find food. Often perched high in trees, it sometimes comes down to glean food from the ground, but very quickly.

What is its way of life?

The Hawfinch is sedentary in our territory, partially migratory in colder climate countries. Thus, populations from Northern and Eastern Europe migrate south in winter to find food. This is why, depending on the years and food reserves in the coldest countries, the population fluctuates considerably in France. And, in this winter of 2024-2025, according to counts, it seems to be quite present.

Otherwise, this bird has a lifestyle that is neither truly gregarious nor truly solitary. It can evolve in very loose groups. During the breeding season, it shows territorial behavior, but outside of this period, it is not much of a fighter. Yet, its wrestler-like build and massive beak might suggest otherwise.

How does it reproduce?

One could say that Mr. Hawfinch is very patient in courting his female. During the breeding period, he multiplies bows, wing flutters, dances, songs, displays, and offerings to win over the one he has chosen. Knowing that this ceremonial, starting in April, can last up to two months!

In Hawfinches, the courtship display can last two months!

Where does the Hawfinch nest?

Once the mating is done, the female sets about building the cup-shaped nest on a branch of a woody plant more than 3 meters high. The nest is made of twigs, lichens, mosses, and herbs. It can sometimes nest alongside other couples settled in the vicinity. The female lays between 3 and 5 eggs, with an incubation period of about 12 days, carried out by the female. The chicks then leave the nest but continue to be fed by the parents for two weeks.

Generally, there is one to two broods per year, with a fairly high success rate.

What do stone grosbeaks feed on?

The **Hawfinch** has a mainly granivorous diet. Indeed, it has a preference for **samaras**, which are the winged seeds of many tree species such as **Beech (*Fagus*)**, **Ash (*Fraxinus*)**, **Hornbeam (*Carpinus betulus*)**, **Field Maple (*Acer campestre*)**, **Elm (*Ulmus*)**, among others, which it directly harvests from the branches. When the samaras fall, it ventures to the ground to pick them up. This bird with a tawny plumage can also include **buds** at the end of winter, young tree **shoots** in spring, and **berries** from native species such as **Holly (*Ilex*)**, **Blackthorn (*Prunus spinosa*)**, **Rowan (*Sorbus*)**, **Dogwood (*Cornus*)**, **Hawthorn (*Crataegus*)** in its menu.

But its powerful beak allows it to satisfy its greed, as it often ventures into orchards to delight in the **almonds** hidden in the stones of cherries and olives. In essence, it is not interested in the fruit flesh, but rather seeks the stone.

During the nesting period, the **Hawfinch** hunts for animal prey to provide enough protein for its offspring. All invertebrates are fair game, but our bird mainly seeks **larvae** and **caterpillars**.

And in winter, during severe cold, it does not disdain the **sunflower seeds** in feeders.

How to attract big beaks?

We have previously seen that the hawfinch is a rather discreet and somewhat wild bird that usually lives in closed forest environments. Therefore, **unless your garden is composed of a grove of species it appreciates for their fruits, it is difficult to attract it there**. However, it might come on its own to enjoy some samaras and berries, peck at some cherries in the orchard, and incidentally insects during the nesting period.

But **ultimately, it is certainly during winter that the chances of encountering a hawfinch are the highest**. Fill your feeders with sunflower seeds and keep an eye out, as it might come for a visit.

The hawfinch may visit feeders filled with sunflower seeds during severe cold