The Chinese grosbeak, yellow-billed grosbeak, or black-tailed hawfinch is a species of finch in the family Fringillidae.
Region
East Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds primarily in temperate broadleaf and mixed forests across northern and central China and adjacent areas. In the non-breeding season it moves southward, occurring more widely in southern China and occasionally into nearby parts of Southeast Asia. It favors woodland edges, riverine forests, orchards, and large parks. During winter it may form sizable flocks that forage over open country with scattered trees. It generally avoids dense interior forest and very arid habitats.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also known as the yellow-billed grosbeak or black-tailed hawfinch, it is a hefty-billed finch that cracks hard seeds with ease. Males show a striking black head and throat contrasted with a pale body and bold wing patch. Flocks often roam widely outside the breeding season, visiting parks and wooded edges. Its clear, metallic calls carry well through forest canopies.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with short rapid wingbeats and occasional undulating glides
Social Behavior
Often forms small to medium flocks outside the breeding season, sometimes mixing with other seed-eating finches. Pairs establish territories in the breeding period and nest in trees, building a cup of twigs and rootlets. Clutches typically contain several pale, speckled eggs, and both parents participate in feeding the young.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Song consists of clear, mellow whistles interspersed with short trills. Calls are metallic, ringing 'tink' or 'kink' notes used to keep contact within flocks.
Plumage
Male shows a black head and throat, grey to brownish-grey mantle and underparts, large white wing patch, and black tail; female is duller with browner tones and a less contrasting head. Both sexes have a very thick, conical bill and crisp wing panel. Plumage appears smooth and neatly patterned, with strong contrast between wing patch and darker flight feathers.
Diet
Primarily eats hard seeds from trees and shrubs, cracking them with its powerful bill. It also takes fruits and berries when available, and buds in early spring. During the breeding season it supplements with insects and other invertebrates to feed growing chicks.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the canopy and mid-story of deciduous and mixed forests, as well as along forest edges. Regularly visits orchards, farmland hedgerows, and urban parks with mature trees.
