About the Chaffinch
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.
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.
Characteristics
Photo gallery
