The Wildlife of
Holy Island

 
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Finches and Buntings - The Chaffinch

First seen on Wednesday 29th July 2020 at Holy Island

The chaffinch is one of the few garden birds where the plumage is very different for the male and female (known as sexual dimorphism). The male is a bright pink (second photo), whereas the female (shown below) is a more subtle yellow-brown. Something Chaffinches keep hidden is a bright patch of green under their wings. It is visible when they are flying away from you, but normally tucked underneath. You can just see a tiny glimpse in the photo of the female. Chaffinches could be found anywhere on the island, although in small numbers. Chaffinches are normally ground feeders and you often see them rummaging around in the leaves underneath trees.