The Common Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) is one of the most common and familiar birds in Europe. Often seen at bird feeders in winter, this passerine stands out due to the male's vibrant plumage and its powerful, recognizable song—a true sonic signature of spring in our parks, forests, and gardens.
As with many birds, the male and female Common Chaffinch exhibit marked sexual dimorphism, making their identification straightforward.
The male is a true rainbow of colors. He sports a blue-grey cap and nape, a reddish-brown back, and a warm pinkish-orange breast and cheeks. His black wings are crossed by a broad, highly visible white bar, as are the outer tail feathers. This combination of colors makes him unmistakable.
The female chaffinch is much more subdued. Her plumage is in shades of brownish-grey, with a lighter underside. Although duller, she retains the two characteristic white wing bars of the species, which allows her to be easily distinguished from other similarly colored birds like the House Sparrow. Her discreet appearance provides excellent camouflage when she is on the nest.
The song of the Common Chaffinch is one of the easiest to identify. It is a short, lively, and powerful stanza that descends in a cascade to end with an energetic flourish. It's often described as a "tune that tumbles down." This song, tirelessly repeated by the male from a prominent perch, serves to mark his territory and attract a female.
Listen here to the typical song of the Common Chaffinch:
In addition to its main song, the Chaffinch is famous for a particular call, a sharp "pink!" or "fink!". It is sometimes called the "rain call," as it is often heard in overcast weather. The bird also has a short "tsip" flight call. Interestingly, Chaffinches develop regional dialects, where the basic structure of the song remains the same, but the final flourish can vary significantly.
The Common Chaffinch is a very adaptable bird. It inhabits all types of wooded environments, from large deciduous forests to urban parks, hedgerows, and gardens. It is one of the most widespread birds in Europe. Northern European populations are migratory and join our resident populations in winter.
In autumn and winter, the Common Chaffinch is primarily a seed-eater. It forages on the ground, searching for fallen seeds, and is a frequent visitor to bird feeders, where it particularly enjoys sunflower seeds. In spring and summer, its diet shifts to include a large proportion of insects, caterpillars, and spiders, which are essential for feeding its chicks.
The Chaffinch's nest is a true work of art. It is a perfect, deep cup built by the female with moss, grass, and small roots. The exterior is meticulously camouflaged with lichens and spider webs, making it almost invisible. The nest is usually placed in the fork of a tree. The female lays 4 to 5 pale blue eggs spotted with brown, which she incubates alone for about 13 days.
The Common Chaffinch can sometimes be confused with its cousin, the Brambling (*Fringilla montifringilla*), especially in winter when the latter visits our regions. The male Brambling is distinguished by its bright orange breast and shoulders, black head (in breeding plumage), and a very conspicuous white rump in flight. To learn more, check our future guide on the Brambling.