hawfinch
1 synonym for hawfinch, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A large Eurasian finch with a thick, heavy bill.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
grosbeak
How to use hawfinch
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a pair of hawfinches
spot a hawfinch
hawfinch's bill
It is a plain, everyday term used in birdwatching and natural history writing.
Etymology
Formed from haw, the berry of the common hawthorn, joined to finch, since the bird feeds on such berries and seeds. The English ornithologist Francis Willughby gave it this name in 1676.
Full origin of hawfinch →Frequently asked questions
What is a hawfinch?
It is a large Eurasian finch known for its thick, powerful bill.
Why is it called a hawfinch?
The name combines haw, the berry of the hawthorn, with finch, reflecting the bird's diet, and was given by the ornithologist Francis Willughby in 1676.
What is the scientific name of the hawfinch?
It is known scientifically as Coccothraustes coccothraustes.
