Pictured here is the bright summer plumage of the male Chaffinch; at this time of year the colours are the same but more subdued.
Finches form one of the largest families of birds in the world and there are lots of examples of these songsters that share a characteristic powerful and undulating style of flying.
While the family is big, the individuals that comprise it are mostly small, sparrow-sized species. The most common member of the family in Ireland is the Chaffinch. It is found countrywide and is well known to anyone who keeps a bird table.
Chaffinches are very social birds and can often be seen socialising with other diners on a bird table or on the ground underneath. They are predominantly vegetarian, feeding mostly on seeds, nuts, and fruits. They have stout bills…