Common Spine (7-12 Years)

The common chaffinch is a bird species belonging to the finch family, commonly found across the Northern Hemisphere small. It is recognized by its plumage and song. Male common chaffinches have bright feathers, while females are more subdued and dull in color. These birds fulfill an important ecological role by consuming seeds, thus helping to maintain natural balance plant important.

^{Male common chaffinch (Photo: Flamen Comark, pixabay.com)}

The common chaffinch measures 14 to 16 cm in length and weighs between 18 and 30 grams. Males have gray-blue heads and backs with brownish chests. Females have plainer, brownish plumage. They can be easily identified by the black and white stripes on their wings. Their beaks are gray in winter and turn bluish-gray in spring.

^{Female common chaffinch (Photo: Juergen Richterich, pixabay.com)}

These birds inhabit Europe, northern Africa and a large part of Asia. They can be observed throughout nearly all regions of Türkiye. Forests, parks, gardens and shrublands are their preferred habitats. When winter arrives, they migrate to warmer areas migration.

The common chaffinch sings a melodious and short call. Males sing frequently during the breeding season to attract females and defend their territories.

^{Sound of the common chaffinch (Audio: Sander Pieterse, xeno-canto.org)}

During Spring months, common chaffinches enter the breeding season and build their nests in shrubs or tree branches. Nest construction is carried out by the female. The nest is typically lined with fine roots and feathers. The female lays four to five eggs, which she incubates for 10 to 16 day days. After hatching, the chicks begin to fly within 11 to 18 days and are fed by both parents for an additional duration mother.

^{Nest and eggs of the common chaffinch (Photo: Vishnevskiy Vasily, shutterstock.com)}

The common chaffinch feeds on both insects and plant seeds. During Summer months, caterpillars and leaf aphids like are vital for chick development. In winter, they prefer seeds from grasses and shrubs. They also visit bird feeders in gardens, consuming foods such as sunflower seeds.

^{Male common chaffinch eating seeds (Video: Dany Dory, pixabay.com)}

Due to its wide distribution, the common chaffinch is currently not danger. However, deforestation and climate change may pose future threats to this species long.