Common Chaffinch

Habitat: In our regions, the chaffinch is associated with trees, but not strictly with forests. It settles wherever there are at least a few trees and where the ground is sufficiently open and accessible. Only environments with low, dense shrubs and young plantations are avoided. In towns, it breeds in parks, cemeteries, undeveloped areas with a few trees, slag heaps, etc.

Appearance: Numerous and common resident bird and summer visitor in Europe. Very numerous breeding bird in Belgium and the Netherlands – year-round resident – partially migratory – passage migrant and winter visitor in very large to extremely large numbers.

Breeding season: April to July, nests in trees, 3 to 6 eggs.

Characteristics: Length 14.5 cm, wingspan 24.5 to 28.5 cm, weight 20 to 40 grams, lifespan 17 years.

Food: Insects and seeds.