About the Chaffinch
The European population, of this bird, is regarded as secure.
The Chaffinch is among the most popular spring songsters. It is the second commonest breeding bird, and is arguably the most colourful of the finches. Its patterned overcoat helps it to blend in when feeding on the ground and it becomes most obvious when it flies, revealing a flash of white on the wings and white outer tail feathers.
Photo gallery
Specifications
| Scientific name |
Fringilla coelebs
|
|---|---|
| Family |
Fringillidae
|
| Habitat |
Hedgerows, gardens and farmland.
|
| Food |
Varied, insects and seeds. Although normally thought of as a ground feeders it is not uncommon for Chaffinches to feed from feeders, especially those with our perching rings.
|
| Height |
15cm
|
| Weight |
19-23g
|
| Lifespan |
1 - 15 years
|
| Breeding time |
March - July
|
| Nest |
In bushes or low trees, of grasses decorated with lichen.
|
| Sound |
Spink call; rattling song ends with flourish; choop in flight.
|
| Characteristics |
There are seven million pairs distributed throughout Britain and Ireland. Chaffinches rarely move more than 5km from home.
|
| Children |
4-5, dark spotted greenish.
|