Coccothraustes coccothraustes, commonly known as the Eurasian Hawfinch, is native to a broad range across Europe and into central Asia. Its geographical distribution includes countries like the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Scandinavia, extending east through Russia and into parts of northern Iran and northern China. The species is also found in parts of North Africa, including Morocco and Algeria.

The Eurasian Hawfinch typically inhabits deciduous and mixed forests, often favoring mature woodlands with plentiful beech trees, as well as stands of oak, hornbeam, and cherry. It is also found in orchards, parks, and large gardens. The species thrives in environments where there is dense tree cover that provides plenty of seeds and nuts.

Hawfinches occupy a specialized ecological niche as granivores, feeding primarily on hard seeds and fruit stones, which they crack open with their powerful beak. Their strong, robust bill is an adaptation to this diet, allowing them to consume food items that are inaccessible to many other bird species. They play a role in seed dispersion but are largely territorial and solitary, contributing to their ecological uniqueness in their natural habitat.