From Opus

Fringilla coelebs

Photo by vicky_king
Male.

[edit] Identification

L. 14-16 cm

• Large double white wing bars
• White tail edges
• Greenish rump
• Breeding Male: Reddish underparts and grey cap
• Female: Drabber and greener, but still obvious.

Photo by postcardcv
Photo taken: RSPB Ynys-hir, Wales, in July 2004
Female.

[edit] Distribution

This bird is widespread and very familiar throughout Europe. It is the most common finch in western Europe. Its range extends into western Asia, north-western Africa, the Canary Islands and Madeira.

It is also found on Tenerife and Gran Canaria, along with the related endemic Blue Chaffinch.

Summer visitor in North and Eastern Europe, found all year in the rest of Europe.

[edit] Taxonomy

There are 19 subspecies.

[edit] Habitat

Woods, hedges, parks and gardens.

[edit] Behaviour

[edit] Breeding

It builds a neat cup of grass lichen or moss. 1 brood.

[edit] Diet

The diet includes insects in breeding season and mainly seeds at other times.

[edit] Vocalisation

Song: A series of Chip-Chip-Chip notes
Call: A loud Pink Pink

[edit] External Links