Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs)

The chaffinch is a very common breeding bird in Britain. It has attractive patterned plumage which helps to camouflage it when feeding on the ground. When it flies it reveals a flash of white on the wings and white outer tail feathers. The adult is 14.5 cm long with a 24.5-28.5 cm wingspan. Fully grown, the chaffinch weighs 18-29g.

It lives anywhere where there are trees and bushes, such as woodland, hedgerows, parks and both town and country gardens. It keeps to the same habitat in winter and can be seen at any time of the year.

The chaffinch eats both seeds and insects. It is a ground feeder and it won't feed from a bird feeder. It will hop about on the ground under the bird table and forage for dropped food.

The song is a fast, descending phrase and the call sounds like 'pink, pink'. Chaffinches are usually heard before they are seen because of their loud song and calls.

The chaffinch lays 4-5 eggs which hatch in 11-14 days. Fledging takes place 13-14 days later.

Chaffinches can live up to 14 years.