Fringilla coelebs

The Common chaffinch Fringilla coelebs is a species of passerine bird about the size of a sparrow. It belongs to the Fringillidae family, and is endemic to Europe, and is also present in Asia, North Africa and Macaronesia. It is one of the most abundant and best distributed species in our territory, where it occupies all types of more or less wooded landscapes, from mature forests to parks and gardens. During the winter, the Peninsula receives abundant contingents of finches from other regions of Europe.

The breeding period varies depending on the distribution area, as it depends on temperature: it generally takes place in late spring and extends from March to June.

It makes nests in trees and decorates the outside with moss and lichens, camouflaging them very well. It lays on average between five and six eggs that will be incubated for two weeks.

It is not a migratory bird, but it seeks warm places in winter.

They generally feed on seeds, but unlike most finches, the young consume insects.

Finches are essentially monogamous, with pairs often remaining beyond one season. Their powerful song is well known. Males have between two and three types of songs, and they also have regional dialects.