The chaffinch is the UK’s most widespread breeding bird. This plump looking finch with its medium sized bill, has a slightly peaked crown with white flank along its wing and a white shoulder patch.

Its pinkish-brown breast ,greenish rump and chestnut back provide an almost camouflage pattern of colour whilst feeding on the ground.

This small, plump and rather noisy bird has a thick bill, chestnut-brown back with blackish marks. The brown head has a grey crown with pale grey cheeks and black bib. The female has pale underparts and cheeks, and has a distinct straw-coloured line above and behind its eye.

One of the most widespread species in the world except Antarctica.

It is easily identifiable when taking to flight by the flash of white on the wings and white outer tail feathers.

It can be seen hopping about under the bird table or undergrowth rather than feeding at seed feeders.

The chaffinch has a loud song that is short and fast with a descending song phrase. Most British and Irish chaffinches never move more than 5 km for their hatching site.
Migratory populations arrive from Scandinavia between September and November and return between February and May.