Common Chaffinch (Chaffinch)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Passeriformes, Family: Fringillidae, Genus: Fringilla, Species: F. coelebs
Family: Fringillidae (True Finches)
- Shape
- Symmetrical vane, rounded tip, soft oval outline typical of flank or underpart contour feathers.
- Size
- Approximately 1.5 to 2 inches long, standard for a small passerine body or flank feather.
- Rarity
- Very Common
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Description
A small, delicate body feather belonging to the Common Chaffinch. The Chaffinch is one of Europe's most abundant and colorful finches, known for its lively song, terracotta underparts, and striking wing bars.
Colour & Pattern
Bicolored with a clean white-to-light grey basal and central portion contrasting sharply with a warm, rich rufous or chestnut tip.
Barb Structure
Plumulaceous base transitioning into a pennaceous tip, with delicate, loosely connected barbs and minimal interlocking barbicels.
Texture & Surface
Soft, fluffy, and silky, lacking the rigidity of flight feathers, with a matte finish.
Key Features
Distinctive bicolored appearance with soft white-grey grading into warm rufous-brown at the tip.
Habitat
Open woodlands, forests, cultivated lands, farmlands, parks, and gardens.
Geographic Range
Widespread across Europe, northwestern Africa, and western Asia, introduced to parts of New Zealand.
Ecological Role
Important seed disperser and insect predator in woodland and agricultural ecosystems.
Similar Species
Brambling (Fringilla montifringilla) and various other small passerines, distinguished by the specific rufous and grey tones.
Interesting Facts
The Chaffinch's scientific name 'coelebs' means 'bachelor', given because in parts of its northern range, females migrate south for the winter while males stay behind.
Condition Notes
Good condition, clean, intact structure with no visible parasitic damage or heavy wear.