Definition of hawfinch in English:
hawfinch
noun ˈhɔːfɪn(t)ʃˈhɔfɪn(t)ʃ
A large Old World finch with a massive bill for cracking open cherry stones and other hard seeds.
Genus Coccothraustes, family Fringillidae: three species, in particular the widespread C. coccothraustes
Example sentencesExamples
- Woodland species such as Hawfinch and Crossbill are much easier to locate in the foliage-less trees.
- Where I see Hawfinches they become more visible from early afternoon in the tops of trees - often Beech or Hornbeam. Listen out for the loud ticking call.
- Whenever I have been fortunate to watch a party of Breckland hawfinches they were very wary, taking flight at the first alarm and rocketing into the treetops.
Origin
Late 17th century: from haw1 + finch.
Definition of hawfinch in US English:
hawfinch
nounˈhôfin(t)SHˈhɔfɪn(t)ʃ
A large Old World finch with a massive bill for cracking open cherry stones and other hard seeds.
Genus Coccothraustes, family Fringillidae: three species, in particular the widespread C. coccothraustes
Example sentencesExamples
- Woodland species such as Hawfinch and Crossbill are much easier to locate in the foliage-less trees.
- Where I see Hawfinches they become more visible from early afternoon in the tops of trees - often Beech or Hornbeam. Listen out for the loud ticking call.
- Whenever I have been fortunate to watch a party of Breckland hawfinches they were very wary, taking flight at the first alarm and rocketing into the treetops.
Origin
Late 17th century: from haw + finch.