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Chaffinch: Fringilla coelebs

A widespread bird, the chaffinch is pretty and sparrow-size. It can be found in gardens, parks, woodland and farmland across Britain and Ireland. The male chaffinch is one of the most colourful birds in the garden, with a blue/grey crown, brown back and a beautiful pink breast. Females are brown with white shoulder patches and wingbars. 

Their distinctive loud song and range of calls means that you will probably hear them before you see them. Measuring 14.5cm, chaffinches feed on insects – especially caterpillars – and seeds, and can often be spotted on bird tables or feeding from the ground. They do not migrate, choosing to remain here all year round, although they are joined by chaffinches from Scandinavia and Finland during the autumn, which in some years can double the population .

Male chaffinches will start to defend their breeding territories in February, despite it being another couple of months before nest construction gets under way in April. Nests are round and made from spiders’ webs, moss and grass, with a soft lining of feathers. Breeding takes place from April to June, resulting in a clutch of four to five eggs and chicks fledging from around 13 days old.

Chaffinches love: Henry Bell Superior Seed Mix, No Grow Mix, Peanuts, Sunflower Hearts, Sunflower Seeds, Robin Blend, Nyger Seeds

Chaffinch: Fringilla coelebs
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