male Common Chaffinch

The Common Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) is a small bird native to Europe, parts of western and central Asia, as well as northwestern Africa. Furthermore, the species became introduced into several other regions in the 19th century and today independent populations exist in New Zealand and South Africa. Throughout its range, it is one of the most abundant songbirds with around 10 million breeding pairs in Germany alone! The birds prefer open woodlands as their habitats, but can often be seen in gardens and parks even within city limits. While males are quite colourful with a reddish rump and a blue-grey cap, the females are much duller and rather brownish. The adults live mostly on seeds, but the young hatchlings are fed almost exclusively with insects. I have photographed these nice little fellows in April and May 2015 in northern Germany.

male Common Chaffinch

male Common Chaffinch

male Common Chaffinch

male Common Chaffinch

male Common Chaffinch

male Common Chaffinch

male Common Chaffinch

male Common Chaffinch