Chaffinch

The Chaffinch, (Fringilla coelebs), is a small passerine bird in the finch family Fringillidae.

This bird is widespread and very familiar throughout Europe and into western Asia. It is catholic in its habitat, but open woodland is favoured, although it is common in gardens and on farmland. It builds its nest in a tree fork, and decorates the exterior with moss or lichen to make it less conspicuous. It lays about six eggs.

This bird is not migratory in the milder parts of its range, but vacates the colder regions in winter. The coelebs part of its name means "batchelor". This species was named by Linnaeus; in his home country of Sweden, the females depart in winter, but the males often remain. This species forms loose flocks outside the breeding season, sometimes mixed with Bramblings[?].

Its large double white wing bars, white tail edges and greenish rump easily identify this species. The breeding male is unmistakeable, with his reddish underparts and a grey cap. The female is drabber and greener, but still obvious.

The food is seeds, but unlike most finches, the young are fed extensively on insects.

The powerful song is very well known, and the "fink" flight call gives the finch family its English name.