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The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Juvenile chaffinch Oak woodland, Haweswater Adult male chaffinch feeding on grain
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Chaffinch

Green conservation status

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Latin name

Fringilla coelebs

Family

Finches (Fringillidae)

Overview

The chaffinch is the UK's second commonest breeding bird, and is arguably the most colourful of the UK's finches. Its patterned plumage helps it to blend in when feeding on the ground and it becomes most obvious when it flies, revealing a flash of white on the wings and white outer tail feathers. It does not feed openly on bird feeders - it prefers to hop about under the bird table or under the hedge. You'll usually hear chaffinches before you see them, with their loud song and varied calls.

Where to see them

Around the UK in woodlands, hedgerows, fields, parks and gardens anywhere.

When to see them

All year round.

What they eat

Insects and seeds.

Estimated numbers

EuropeUK breeding*UK wintering*UK passage*
-5,974,000 territories--

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

Key

In the UK
All UK

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Find out more

  • Videos

Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100)

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2 illustrations

12

Illustrations
Chaffinch male

Male

Chaffinch female

Female

Similar birds

Bramblings (illustration)

Brambling

Help the Chaffinch

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About the RSPB

The RSPB speaks out for birds and wildlife, tackling the problems that threaten our environment. We rely upon memberships and donations to fund our work. Nature is amazing - help us keep it that way. More...

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Visit our Contact us section for telephone numbers, office addresses and more.

Latest news

Woodland birds in decline

Latest results from the BTO/JNCC/RSPB Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) puts woodland birds at the top of the list of declining species.

New wetland could see continental birds arriving in Kent

Restoration of a large area of Kent countryside to wildlife-rich wetland could see the garden of England become a landing pad for bird species moving north from Europe as the climate warms.

Seabird failure continues for another year

Early reports of seabird breeding performance on some RSPB coastal reserves, especially in parts of Scotland and Wales, indicate continuing problems for internationally-important populations of guillemots, kittiwakes and other seabirds.

More news...

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© 2008 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Charity registered in England and Wales no 207076, in Scotland no SC037654
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Last published: 14/06/2008 01:09:44
Show/hide picture credits
Juvenile chaffinch - Steve Round
Oak woodland, Haweswater - Andy Hay (rspb-images.com, Ref: 2000-1913_009 )
Adult male chaffinch feeding on grain - Andy Hay (rspb-images.com, Ref: 2003-4750-009)
Bird illustrations by Mike Langman (RSPB)