Chaffinch

Characteristics
The colouring of the male Chaffinch at rest is unmistakable; its large double white wing bars, white tail edges and greenish rump easily identify this 14-16 cm long species.

The breeding male is unmistakable, with his reddish under-parts and a blue-grey cap. The female is drabber and greener, but still easily recognisable.

Habitat
The Chaffinch uses a range of habitats, although open woodland is favoured, it is also common in gardens and on farmland. They build nest in hedges and in tree forks; forming a cup of grass, moss and lichens and lining it with hair.

Behaviour
The Chaffinch seeks seeds and insects for food from gardens, parks and farmland.

The powerful song starts slowly, accelerates down the scale and ends up with an exuberant flourish, it is repeated up to five or ten times a minute. The alarm call is very well known, and its ‘fink’ or ‘vink’.
B.A.B.


www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife