Chaffinch

🔍 Overview

One of the most colourful and common finches in Sussex. Males are especially bright in spring. Found in gardens, woodlands, and farmland year-round.

🪶 Key Identification Features

Size: Small (14–15 cm)

Plumage: Male – pink breast, blue-grey head; Female – duller brown

Distinctive Marks: White wing bars and outer tail

Bill: Short and stout

Tail: Medium length

Flight: Strong and bounding

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Widespread across Sussex in woodland edges, hedgerows, and gardens. Pulborough RSPB 

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

Loud, descending trill that ends in a flourish. Often feeds on the ground under feeders.

🍴 Diet

Seeds, insects, and fruit. Juveniles rely on insects in summer.

📸 Birding Tip

Listen for its song in spring from hedgerows and woodland. Females are quieter and often overlooked.