Common Chaffinch
Scientific Name: Fringilla coelebsMaltese Name: Sponsun
Family: Finches (Fringillidae)
Occurence: Common
Breeds in Malta: Scarce Breeder
Overview:
This bird is widespread and very familiar throughout Europe. It is the most common finch in western Europe, and the second most common bird in Britian. The Chaffinch's large double white wing bars, white tail edges and greenish rump easily identify this 14–16 cm long species. The breeding male is unmistakable, with his reddish underparts and a blue-grey cap. The female is drabber and greener, but still obvious.
It uses a range of habitats, but open woodland is favoured, although it is common in gardens and on farmland. The coelebs part of its name means "bachelor". This species was named by Linnaeus; in his home country of Sweden, where the females depart in winter, but the males often remain.
This species forms loose flocks outside the breeding season, sometimes mixed with Bramblings. It builds its nest in a tree fork, and decorates the exterior with moss or lichen to make it less conspicuous. It lays about six eggs, which are greenish-blue with purple speckling. The main food of the chaffinch is seeds, but unlike most finches, the young are fed extensively on insects, and adults also eat insects in the breeding season. The powerful song is very well known
Status:
Common migrant in Autumn while a few are seen in Spring. Few winter here and very few breed here, mostly at Buskett.
When to See:
Seen from Early October till Early April, peak migration in October/November.
Where to See:
Prefers open woodland and vallleys. Buskett is a good place to see this bird. Otherwise, fields with a plentiful supply of seeds are also good spots to see this bird.
Photographs:
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Male Chaffinch, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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Female Chaffinch, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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