The Chaffinch's scientific name, coelebs (which directly translates as 'bachelor'), is derived from the observation by Linnaeus, the father of taxonomy, that most of the individuals overwintering where he lived in southern Sweden were males.
Chaffinches were introduced to New Zealand in the 1860's and, although slow to spread initially, are now abundant throughout the main islands.
Ray Wilson owns the copyright of all images on this site.
They may not be used or copied in any form without prior written permission.
raywilsonphotography@googlemail.com