Hawfinchs in Spain
When the Hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes) is present in Spain, when it nests, and which native Spain plants supply the food it depends on.
- Status in Spain
- Resident all year
- Nesting season
- March–June
- Size
- 18 cm, 55 g
- Nest box
- Does not use enclosed boxes
When to expect hawfinchs in Spain
The Hawfinch lives in Spain all year round. Mild, wetter winters host many northern European migrants — Robins, Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps.
Mediterranean across most of the country, oceanic in the north (Galicia to the Basque Country) and semi-arid in the south-east.
Nesting in Spain
In Spain the Hawfinch usually nests March–June. Nest site: cup high in trees. Clutches are 4–5 eggs, incubated for 11–13 days; chicks fledge after 12–14 days, and pairs raise 1 per year.
- The Hawfinch does not use enclosed nest boxes — dense native shrubs and climbers give it nest sites.
- Avoid cutting hedges during the nesting season (roughly March to August) — in the UK, disturbing an active nest is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Native Spain plants for hawfinchs
Of the native plants we track for Spain, these 8 provide food the Hawfinch uses:
Haws feed thrushes all winter; spring blossom supports hundreds of insect species.
Orange-red berries are a magnet for Blackbirds, thrushes and Waxwings from August.
Evergreen roosting cover and winter berries on female plants.
Late-winter berries when little else is left, plus dense nesting cover.
Late-summer berries taken by Blackcaps and thrushes.
Thorny cover that protects nests; early blossom for insects.
Hips persist into winter for thrushes and finches.
Translucent red berries in autumn.
Feeding in the garden
Cherry and hornbeam seeds cracked with enormous force.
- Best foods: Sunflower seed.
- Feeders: Open table.
- Shy and declining in the UK; best seen at established woodland sites.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked
Are hawfinchs in Spain all year?
Yes — the Hawfinch is resident in Spain all year.
When do hawfinchs nest in Spain?
Typically March–June. Clutches are 4–5 eggs, incubated for 11–13 days, with 1 per year.
Which native plants help hawfinchs in Spain?
Hawthorn, Rowan, Holly, Ivy, Elder, Blackthorn, Dog rose, Guelder rose are native to Spain and provide food or cover the Hawfinch uses.
Hawfinchs in other countries
Other garden birds in Spain
Sources
- Hawfinch — RSPB bird guide
- Hawfinch — BTO BirdFacts
- SEO/BirdLife — Atlas de las aves en época de reproducción
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.