A common finch showing much white when it flies, but this may be hidden when standing. Large flocks are rather loose and less synchronized than smaller finches; frequently feeds on the ground under trees or in open fields.

Frequent visitors to gardens. Yet winter flocks in open fields are wary of any disturbance, and all too ready to fly up and move off to the nearest hedge or tall tree. A male Chaffinch is a seemingly discordant mixture of colours, pink, blue, black, white, green, and reddish brown, yet the overall effect is soft and subdued. The song is one of the most welcome sounds of late winter, and continuing into summer.