The Eurasian chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) belongs to the finch family (Fringillidae) and is a small songbird commonly found in the Northern Hemisphere. It is known for its vibrant colors, distinctive song, and easily observable behavior. While males exhibit bright plumage, females display a more subdued appearance. As a seed-eating species, the common chaffinch plays an important role in maintaining ecological balance.
Characteristics
The Eurasian chaffinch measures 14–16 cm in length and weighs approximately 18–30 grams. Male individuals have a gray-blue head and back, with brown tones on the chest. Females have a duller and more muted coloration. The wings feature black and white stripes, making the species easily recognizable. The irises are dark brown, and the legs are gray-brown. The beak is pale gray in winter, with the upper part appearing darker. In spring, it turns bluish-gray with a small black spot at the tip.
Male Eurasian chaffinch (Photo: Flamen Comark, pixabay.com)
Female Eurasian chaffinch (Photo: Juergen Richterich, pixabay.com)
Distribution and Habitat
The Eurasian chaffinch is widely distributed across Europe, North Africa, and Western and Central Asia. The species thrives in much of Europe, extending eastward into temperate regions of Asia and reaching as far as the Angara River and the southern edge of Lake Baikal in Siberia. During the late 19th century, chaffinches were introduced from England to various overseas territories. They have established colonies in both the North and South Islands of New Zealand, where they are now one of the most common sparrow species.
In South Africa, this species can be found in regions like Constantia, Hout Bay, Pinelands, and Camps Bay in Cape Town. These areas are notable for local population monitoring. Chaffinches prefer wooded areas, parks, gardens, and shrubs as habitats. They migrate to warmer regions during winter. Outside the breeding season, they gather in loose flocks to feed and are sometimes mistaken for other sparrow species.
In Turkey, they can be observed in almost every region, particularly in wooded and shrub areas of the Black Sea, Marmara, and Central Anatolia. During migration periods, they spread across a broader geographic area.
The distribution map of the Eurasian chaffinch (Photo: iucnredlist.org)
Behavior and Ecology
Song
The song of the Eurasian chaffinch resembles a short, melodic sequence. Males frequently sing in various forms during the breeding season to establish territories and attract females. Their vocalizations vary regionally.
The call of the Eurasian chaffinch (Voice: Sander Pieterse, xeno-canto.org)
Breeding
The breeding season typically begins in spring. Nest building is exclusively performed by the female, usually within the forked branches of a shrub or tree a few meters above the ground. The nest is shaped like a deep cup, lined with fine roots and feathers on the inside, while the exterior is covered with layers of lichen and spider silk.
Females typically lay 4–5 eggs. The eggs vary in color, ranging from pale bluish-green to light red, with purple-brown spots or markings. On average, an egg measures 19 mm × 15 mm and weighs approximately 2.2 grams. The incubation period lasts 10–16 days and is solely carried out by the female.
The nest and eggs of the Eurasian chaffinch (Fotoğraf: Vishnevskiy Vasily, shutterstock.com)
Chicks leave the nest and begin flying within 11–18 days. After fledging, they are fed by their parents for up to three weeks. Around five weeks of age, they undergo partial feather molt, replacing head, body, and cover feathers, while primary and secondary flight feathers remain unchanged. Adult birds experience a complete molt after the breeding season, lasting about ten weeks.
A study conducted in England found that juvenile survival rates in their first year were 53%, while adult annual survival rates were 59%. The average lifespan is three years, but a record from Switzerland documented an individual living 15 years and 6 months.
Diet
The Eurasian chaffinch is an omnivorous species that adapts its diet based on seasonal availability. In summer, insects form a significant portion of their diet, particularly caterpillars, aphids, and small invertebrates, which are crucial protein sources for chick development.
A maleEurasian chaffinch eating peanuts (Photo: Snotty Boggins, pixabay.com)
In autumn and winter, seeds and grains become dietary staples. During these seasons, the bird feeds on the seeds of wild plants, grasses, and shrubs, as well as cultivated grains like barley and wheat. In colder months, chaffinches demonstrate flexibility in their feeding habits by visiting garden feeders to consume sunflower seeds, millet, and other offerings.
A maleEurasian chaffincheating seeds (Video: Dany Dory, pixabay.com)
Conservation Status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the Eurasian chaffinch as a species of "Least Concern." While the species currently faces no major threats due to its wide distribution, habitat destruction and climate change pose long-term risks.
