Although,
due to size and colouration, the
female
chaffinch can be confused with the female
house sparrow, a glimpse of its white wing
bars and outer tail feathers are the telling
difference. The male though is not easily
confused with any other bird, with its
combination of blue head (the feathers are
often raised to form a small crest) and rose
pink face and breast. As with many species
outside the breeding season the male becomes
somewhat less colourful as the outer edges of
his feathers become duller, eventually wearing
away again ready for the following breeding
season. Juvenile birds are very similar to the
adult female. Chaffinches feed mainly on the
ground and regular human contact can see them
become quite tame. In winter they form flocks,
often with other finches and sparrows and move
out in search of arable land on which to feed.
