Tuesday, 11 February 2025

THE CHAFFINCH

 In folklore the Chaffinch brings good luck to those who encounter it, true or not, it is always a lovely welcome visitor to my balcony. The correct pronunciation of Chaffinch is really chaff-finch, as this bird takes the name from the chaff that was used in the nosebags of working horses. The Chaffinch fed on the split chaff. They now enjoy a mixture of sunflower seeds, millet, and Niger seeds.


They eat their fill of the sunflower seeds I provide


They only have one brood a year, usually four young.


They are one of  the longest lived of our passerines, hence the relatively low production rate.


Although a common bird, seen in forests, parks, and urban places, it is a beautiful bird of some note.


I hear the males unmistakable song long before it comes into view.


The song of the male Chaffinch is one of the most distinctive of all bird songs and consists of a series of sharp quick notes, followed by a flourish at the end. When calling for a mate it will sing incessantly.


Linking up to ""Wild Bird Wednesday" and "Saturdays Critters". Click on the right sidebar on each icon and it will take you there, where you will see wonderful wildlife images from all over the globe.

31 comments:

sami niilola said...

So beautiful bird, i like a lot.

LoveT. said...

He is really beautiful.
I love the birds singing too. :)

This N That said...

Wonderful pictures Sonjia...Definitely has the wing color pattern of a Finch..I don't think we have them here.Interesting info!! Thanks

MadSnapper n Beau said...

a really sweet and beautiful little bird.. I like the colors and markings and your photos are awesome and sharp and clear..

Debbie said...

what a beautiful bird, the colors and the feather pattern, so pretty! it is so common for me to "hear" a bird before i actually see it!! great pictures!!

This N That said...

Interesting commentary..I don't think we have them here..Lovely pictures

Marit said...

Dear Sonjia :)
I love to see your lovely pictures of the Chaffinch. They are here later in spring, and they are very cute. Your last picture of the male is very beautiful.
I hope you are well my dear friend.
Many warm hugs.
Marit

Marie Smith said...

Great photos of a beautiful little bird!

Nick Morgan said...

I do love Chaffinches. You have managed to capture some lovely pictures.
Following on from our storm messages we had a horrific storm here with 80mph winds. Luckily only three large trees came down, but there were a lot of stick and branches everywhere. One of our neighbour's ancient beech trees came down onto our land taking out about 15 of our pine trees. I hope that is the end of the winter storms.

roentare said...

Chaffinch looks so cute and adorable

Angie's Recipes said...

What a beauty! You are so good at photographing nature.

Irma said...

Dear Sonjia,
I love seeing your photos of the finch.
I think the males are very beautiful.
I wish you a beautiful Wednesday.
Greetings Irma

David M. Gascoigne, said...

Thanks for these beautiful images, Sonjia. As you say, here is a bird that is very descriptively named. It was, indeed, a chaff-finch and even though the days of horses with feed bags are long gone, the bird is still here to delight. It is so beautiful with all those subtle shades and hues that conspire together to make a perfect whole. Its reputation for bringing good luck is obviously true since we are blessed to be able to share with you today. Hugs and kisses - David

Jeanie said...

I'm not familiar with the chaffinch. He's a darling little bird!

Rostrose said...

Dear Sonjia, you show us some very nice photos of chaffinches. I have never been able to photograph these birds so closely, even though I have a strong telephoto lens. They are here, but unfortunately they don't come into our garden, I only hear or see them when I go into the forest or go Nordic walking at the edge of the forest. Really very pretty birds!

Today I linked a post on "Wild Bird Wednesday" for the first time - thanks for the tip!

All the best from Austria, Traude

https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2025/02/mit-den-rostrosen-durch-die-kalte.html

David Slater said...

Great pictures of a bird I have not seen in my garden recently Sonjia.What lovely pictures.Looking forward to what you are going to publish next week.

eileeninmd said...

Hello Sonjia,
Your Chaffinch photos are lovely. It is a beautiful bird. I was happy to see this bird in Ireland. You are lucky to see them on your balcony. Thank you for your critter post and for sharing your link! Take care, have a wonderful weekend.

John's Island said...

Dear Sonjia, Thank you for giving me the opportunity to learn about the Chaffinch. Beautiful images to go along with the lesson! 😊Thank you for sharing and wishing you happy days ahead. John

Teresa said...

Es un pajarito precioso, que me gusta mucho, por aquí también se ven bastantes. Besos.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I would love to see one and hear his song! Beautiful close up photos. He was hungry!

RedPat said...

These are great shots of this lovely little bird, Sonjia.

Shiju Sugunan said...

Beautiful bird and interesting info!

Tom said...

...thanks Sonjia for making today my lucky day with the introduction to the Chaffinch! This morning is bleak with rain and snow, I need things to brighten my day. Take care and be well.

Iris Flavia said...

To beauty, cuteness, smiles and luck!

carol l mckenna said...

Lovely photos of the Chaff Finch ~ thanks,

Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
clm ~ A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)

Bill said...

What a cute little bird, great photo.

Leslie's Garden said...

That's a really cute and pretty little bird. Have a great weekend. Take care.

Stewart M said...

Very nice bird. Did not know about say chaff finch rather than chaffinch. You will find this bird in WBW this week!
Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

Veronica Lee said...

The Chaffinch is a beautiful bird, and its song must be a joy to hear. I love the folklore about it bringing good luck—what a special visitor to your balcony! 😊

Veronica Lee said...

The Chaffinch is a beautiful bird, and its song must be a joy to hear. I love the folklore about it bringing good luck—what a special visitor to your balcony! 😊

Timelesslady said...

Thanks for the great explanation of the name. I won't forget that. A pretty little bird for sure.

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