European Chaffinch

(Fringilla Coelebs)

Common Names: European Chaffinch, Chaffinch

Description: In males the nape, head and tail are gray-blue. A pink-brown encircles over the eyes and cheeks then extends from the throat to the under belly and covers the back between the wings. The wings are gray-black with white bars patterned on the wing converts. Young birds and hens normaly have flesh colored beaks and legs. In mature males the beak and legs have a gray hue. Plumage of the male gets brighter as it matures until it reaches the age of which it can no longer breed then it's colors fade. The hen is simalar in apperance but paler lacking the blue-gray and having smaller white wing bars.

Size: The average size of this species is 6in (15cm).

Origin: The Chaffinch originated in Europe, Asia and North Africa.

Mutations/Sub-species: Although I do not know of any mutations of the Fringilla Coelebs. There are different Chaffinch and Fringilla species.

Blue Chaffinch (Fringilla Teydea)- males have blue plumage & grey bill, females are grey-brown with dull white wing bars

Brambling (Fringilla Montifringilla)- males have dark back, orange breast & whitish belly, orange and white wing bars

Diet: A good Chaffinch diet should consist of mixed millets with Canary grass seed, wild songbird seeds and greenfood. Fresh water, cuttlebone and grit should also be supplied at all times. Wild seed heads, Lettuce, Spinach, Chickweed, Spray Millet, Eggfood, Brocolli tops and Carrot tops can also be offered on a regular basis.

General Care: Generally a hardy species but shy, provide bath water daily!

Compatibility: This species is best kept as single pairs or one male to several hens.

Housing: Chaffinches are a slightly nervous species and they do not thrive well in small cages. They do best as a pair in a planted aviary with coverage to help them feel more secure. Some heat will be required during winter months if not acclimated to colder weather so these birds are best suited for large indoor aviaries during winter. In the summer time they will thrive and come into best condition in outdoor aviaries provided you provide shelter to keep them from damp conditions.

Song: Chaffinch males have a pleasing song with variation. Calls can also be heard from the male as well as hens. Click the button below to hear the male.

Breeding: Though not very willing breeders in captivity without privacy and livefood wild flocks are abundant in the UK. During the breeding season (which is normaly April) canary shaped nest are built from feathers, moss, grass, wool, lichen and small stripes of bark. The eggs are similar to Canary or Greenfinch eggs begin light blue with brown splotches with 5 eggs to an average clutch. The hen incubates the eggs for 14-16 days. After hatching both male and female will feed the chicks mainly on livefood, germinated seeds and greenfood. Chicks normaly fledge 18-21 days after hatching and are weaned around 35 days old. Young birds resemble hens.

Price List:

Mutation	Price Per Pair
European Chaffinch	$110.00 Pair