Chaffinch (fringilla coelebs)

Size: 15cm, 22/21g (male/female)

Description: Sparrow sized finch white wing bar shoulder and outer tail feathers. Male has rich pink/rust coloured underparts and face. Black forehead and grey head. Base of tail is olive green. Female and juvenile are much less vibrant, mostly brownish grey but retain olive rump and white wingbars.

Habitat: Both native and exotic forest, scrub and grass land, gardens and parks.

Status: Abundant European introduction. Can be found throughout New Zealand

Breeding: September - February. 3-6 eggs laid in a neat hair and feather lined grass cup nest built by both birds.

Where to photograph: You can find these birds almost anywhere! Can be easily be attracted to feeding tables in winter.

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