- Length
- 16 cm
- Weight
- 25 g
Presence in the Strait
Scarce winter visitor to open areas and woodlands. Numbers vary from year to year depending on the severity of winter in the N of Europe.
Identification
Similar to a Chaffinch but with rusty-buff tones on upperparts, orangey breast and white rump, lacking white on tail. In winter males show pale fringed black head and dark spotted upperparts, bill, yellow with dark tip; black head, back and bill in summer plumage. Females are similar to males in winter but with grey patch on neck-sides and nape with blackish crown-stripes.
Movements
Most birds seen are females and juveniles, as most males only move short distances from their breeding areas. Prenuptial peaks in 2nd hf. March and postnuptial in 1st hf. November.
Ring recoveries
Belgium (1) and Sweden (1). Fringillidae Pinzón Vulgar Fringilla coelebs coelebs Fringilla coelebs africana ad.E Pinzón Real ad.W
Bioestrecho editorial text. Last revised: 8 September 2026.