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Chaffinch

 

 

They are the most numerous nesting birds in our forests, parks and gardens, and in Estonia a couple of million chaffinch pairs nest. Migration proceeds during daytime and both male and female birds are in the flocks. They are mainly active in open landscapes, on stubble fields and roads, and soon get used to the movements of humans.

 

In the colourful springtime mating plumage the male is recognisable from far away, the females are less colourful, rather greyish (see Arne’s photo below) and also a little smaller. They are about 15 centimetres long and weigh twenty-thirty grams. The species characteristics are well visible throughout the year  - the white eye-catching wing streaks, the olive-coloured rump area or tail topside and the white edges on the tail feathers.

 

Every day more migratory birds arrive, here an appeal to car drivers – our winged travelers are experienced but if you see birds on both sides of the road ease the pressure on the accelerator just a little – you never know towards which side the flock will start to move. Even an inexperienced eye soon begins to distinguish different species. What to do with this knowledge – nothing much, but your world will certainly be enriched …

 

 

Chaffinch observations: LINK

 

Listen to Veljo Rannik’s recording of chaffinch song: LINK

 

Chaffinch (female)