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Common Chaffinch

Fringilla coelebs

The Common Chaffinch is a cheerful little bird with a lovely song. They have colorful feathers and love to hop around gardens and parks.

Habitat: Woodlands and gardens

Appearance

The Common Chaffinch is a small, plump finch. Males have a blue-grey crown, reddish-pink breast and cheeks, and a brown back, while females are duller brown. Both sexes feature two striking white bars on each wing, making them easy to identify.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyFringillidaeGenusFringilla
Common Chaffinch
wildlife trait badgefeathered trait badgesocial trait badgeomnivorous trait badge
Common Chaffinch

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

31

Interesting facts

Male Chaffinches learn their unique songs by listening to older males in their local area!

Some Chaffinches migrate thousands of kilometers, while others stay home their whole lives!

Their beak color changes with the seasons; grey in winter, blue in spring!

They often use spider silk to bind their nests together, making them extra sturdy!

Special abilities

Ability

Master Mimic

Common Chaffinches can learn and vary their songs because of their flexible vocal cords, helping them communicate clearly.

Ability

Seed Cracker Beak

Common Chaffinches have a strong, cone-shaped beak that helps them efficiently crack open tough seeds for food.

Ability

Camouflage Nest Builder

Common Chaffinches can build intricate nests camouflaged with lichen and moss, helping them hide eggs from predators.

Measurements & details

Length
14-16 cm
Wingspan
24.5-28.5 cm
Weight
0.019-0.025 kg
Lifespan
2-14 years
Speed
50 km/h
Clutch Size
4-6
Incubation
11-13 days
Migration Distance
1500 km

Diet & Feeding

Common Chaffinches primarily eat seeds and insects, especially during breeding season.

Age differences: Younger chaffinches consume a higher proportion of insects for growth.

Primary Foods

  • seeds
  • caterpillars
  • beetles
  • berries
  • aphids

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

ChaffinchEuropean Chaffinch

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Chaffinches are friendly and not dangerous, but it's best to watch them from a distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Common Chaffinch?

Compare the silhouette, bill shape, tail length, wing bars and markings around the eyes. The same small brown bird at your feeder can look quite different in breeding plumage, winter plumage or its first year. Bird Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

How long is Common Chaffinch?

14-16 cm

What is Common Chaffinch's wingspan?

24.5-28.5 cm

How much does Common Chaffinch weigh?

0.019-0.025 kg

How long does Common Chaffinch live?

2-14 years

How fast can Common Chaffinch move?

50 km/h

What does Common Chaffinch eat?

Common Chaffinches primarily eat seeds and insects, especially during breeding season.

Where is Common Chaffinch usually found?

Woodlands and gardens

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