Nature Table: The chaffinch

There are estimated to be over 2 million breeding pairs of chaffinches in Ireland, making them among our commonest birds. 

They are found in practically every habitat apart from high uplands and, according to BirdWatch Ireland’s Garden Bird Survey, they were our fifth commonest garden bird during last winter’s survey period.

Male birds are attractive and distinctive with salmon pink underparts and a blue-grey head and neck. The colours fade somewhat in the winter.