Chaffinch  (Fringilla coelebs)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Description

The chaffinch is one of the best-known and most common of all British birds (5). Both sexes can be easily identified in flight when they reveal double white flashes on the wings and white tail-sides (3). In summer the males have colourful plumage, with a rosy-red breast and cheeks and a bluish-grey crown and nape of the neck. These colours fade somewhat in winter. Adult females and juveniles have a buff or greyish coloured breast and greyish-green upperparts (2). Chaffinches produce a variety of calls, including a loud, clear pink call when perched (2). The musical rattling song is also loud (6).

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