The Hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes) is a species of finch with a limited, fairly scarce breeding distribution in Great Britain. It is more abundant further south and east in Europe and Asia.
In the 18th century, the Hawfinch was recorded as only a rare winter visitor in Britain. The first breeding record was early in the 19th century; by the early 1830s, a well-documented colony was established at Epping Forest in Essex, and breeding was also recorded in other counties east and south of London. Further expansion of the range continued through the 19th and 20th centuries, with breeding occurring as far north as Aberdeenshire by 1968–1972. Peak numbers were in the period 1983–1990. Subsequently, there has been a significant decline of between 37% and 45% between 1990–1999.[1][2][3][4]
Southeast England is the stronghold of Hawfinch in Britain. One well-known site is Bedgebury Pinetum, where flocks gather to roost in winter. The species is also found in the New Forest; a central roost site exists here, at the Blackwater Arboretum. The only Sussex stronghold is at Westdean Woods in West Sussex. While in Surrey they are regularly seen at Bookham Common in Winter.
In Devon, Hawfinch is largely confined to the upper Teign Valley.
Two areas in which Hawfinch reliably occurs are the Forest of Dean and the Wyre Forest.
Hawfinch is present in the Breckland of East Anglia.
Hawfinches are regularly found in a small number of locations in northern England. Prime sites include Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire and Hulne Park in Northumberland. Hawfinches can be seen at Cromford Derbyshire near the canal and at Clumber Park (Nottinghamshire) near the chapel.
Scone Palace near Perth is the most well-known site in Scotland for Hawfinch. Formerly, they also occurred in the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.