European Birds

Fringillidae : Finches

Common Chaffinch

Fringilla coelebs

Male - Nottinghamshire, England - November 2017

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 in southern Sweden were males.

Male - Nottinghamshire, England - June 2013

The British race of this very common European bird is slightly smaller and more brightly coloured than the continental, nominate race.

Male - Nottinghamshire, England - January 2011

Male - Highland, Scotland - February 2008

Male - Lancashire, England - November 2003

Male - Lancashire, England - November 2003

Female - Nottinghamshire, England - March 2010

Female - Highland, Scotland - June 2003

Female - Highland, Scotland - June 2003

Female - Highland, Scotland - June 2003