Credit Katrina Bradbury 1/5
Credit Nick Goodrum 2/5
Male chaffinch by Nick Goodrum 3/5
Credit Elizabeth Dack 4/5
Female chaffinch by David Savory 5/5

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs

One of the most common, indeed the second most common bird in the UK being widespread and abundant. It is usually heard before being seen due to their loud song and varied calls. It is a highly gregarious and social bird often seen in gardens and parks.

Conservation status

Common.Classified in the Uk as Green under the Birds  of Conservation Concern 4: the Red List for Birds (2015). Protected in the Uk under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Related questions & advice

Should I feed birds in my garden all year round?
Is it important to keep bird tables and bird feeders clean?
How can I stop sparrowhawks taking birds at my feeders?
What should I do if I find a sick bird in my garden?
What should I do if I find a ringed bird?
What should I do if I find dead birds?
How can I get involved in monitoring bird populations?
How should I feed my garden birds?

Details

Did you know? •    The UK plays host to immigrants from Europe and Scandinavia in the winter months.
•    Old East Anglian name for the Chaffinch is “Common Finch” or “Spink”.
•    Mainly monogamous. The male will attract a mate to his territory with his song.
•    Can often be seen with growths, which are crusty in appearance on the legs. There are two causes for this condition which are mites of the Cnemidocoptes genus and/or papillomavirus. There is evidence to suggest both conditions can occur together in some individuals. Most birds with these signs are bright, active and able to feed though some birds become lame and others suffer from secondary bacterial infections.
•    The males will spend winter near to their breeding territories whilst the females will migrate further south.
How to recognise
Where to see
When to see
How to help
Share this