Birds of the World

Fringillidae : Finches

Common Chaffinch

Fringilla coelebs

Male - Nottinghamshire, England - June 2013

The Chaffinch's scientific name, coelebs (which directly translates as 'bachelor'), is derived from the observation by Linnaeus, the father of taxonomy, that most of the individuals overwintering in southern Sweden were males.

Male - Nottinghamshire, England - January 2011

The British race of this very common European bird is slightly smaller and more brightly coloured than the continental, nominate race.

Male - Highland, Scotland - February 2008

Male - Lancashire, England - November 2003

Male - Lancashire, England - November 2003

Female - Nottinghamshire, England - March 2010

Female - Highland, Scotland - June 2003

Female - Highland, Scotland - June 2003

Female - Highland, Scotland - June 2003