The Wildlife of
Wallington

 
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Finches and Buntings - The Chaffinch

First seen on Wednesday 17th July 2019 at Wallington

Chaffinches can be found anywhere on the estate, although not as common as some of the garden birds, they are present all the year round. Chaffinches are normally ground feeders and you often see them rummaging around in the leaves underneath trees, or even under tables in the cafes.

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 female (below) is a subtle yellow-brown, but the male is a bright orange/pink.


 


 

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 away. You can it clearly in this photo of a male having a bath in a puddle, not far from the Hall...