chaffinches

The chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) is a small passerine bird in the finch family Fringillidae. It has a broad distribution in Europe and western Asia and is common in woodlands, gardens, and farmland. In some areas milder winters have allowed its range to expand.

Male chaffinches in breeding plumage have a blue-gray crown, a pinkish breast, a brown back, and white wing bars. Females and juveniles are duller, with brownish-grey upperparts and a pale eyebrow stripe. The species is about 14 cm long with a wingspan of 22–28 cm and a weight around 15–25 g.

Chaffinches are primarily granivorous, feeding on seeds of grasses and cereals, and on buds and berries. Insects and spiders are taken during the breeding season to feed nestlings. Outside the breeding season they often form small to large flocks and may visit feeding stations.

Nesting occurs in shrubs or trees; the cup-shaped nest is well hidden. Clutches usually contain four to six eggs, incubated about 11–13 days; both parents feed the young, which fledge after roughly two weeks and may raise more than one brood per season.

The species is partly migratory, with northern and high-altitude populations moving south or to lower elevations in winter, while many populations remain resident.

The chaffinch is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN due to its wide distribution. There are several subspecies across its range.