Eurasian chaffinch

The Eurasian chaffinch is a territorial and active bird with a loud, melodious song. During migration, which usually takes place in spring and autumn, finches move in large groups, searching for areas rich in food. During the nesting season, which mainly takes place from April to June, the female builds a small, well camouflaged nest, usually in trees or shrubs. There she lays around 4-5 eggs, which hatch for about two weeks. After hatching, both parents are involved in feeding the chicks until they are mature enough to leave the nest.

Fringilla coelebs

Description and how to observe Eurasian chaffinch:

The Eurasian chaffinch is a small to medium-sized bird with particularly attractive plumage. Males are brightly coloured, with a reddish-brown back and breast and a bluish-tinged head. The females, on the other hand, are less colourful, with a plumage of more muted shades of brown and grey. In the Danube Delta, this species can be seen in meadow forests, scrublands and even near campsites, where it sometimes forages for food. They are easiest to spot early in the morning or towards evening, when they are more active and sing to mark their territory.

What it feeds on Eurasian chaffinch:

The Eurasian chaffinch has a varied diet consisting mainly of seeds, insects and small fruits. During the warm season, it feeds on insects and grubs, which provide a rich source of protein, essential for rearing chicks. In winter, its diet is based mainly on seeds and berries. In the Danube Delta, the finches find a rich food supply, making them a common year-round visitor.

Threats:

The main threats to the Eurasian chaffinch are habitat loss, caused by deforestation and anthropogenic interventions, and the use of pesticides, which reduce food availability by depleting insect populations. Climate change can also affect the migration and adaptive capacity of this species, causing fluctuations in local populations.

Ecological role:

The Eurasian chaffinch plays an important role in the ecosystems of the Danube Delta, helping to control insect populations and disperse seeds, which helps maintain local biodiversity. By eating insects, finches help to reduce pests, and by feeding on seeds, they help to spread certain plant species, facilitating the natural regeneration of forests and scrublands.

More information about Fringilla coelebs:

The Eurasian chaffinch is a highly adaptable species, allowing it to survive in a variety of habitats, including those modified by man. It is one of the most widespread bird species in Europe and its presence in the Danube Delta is an indicator of the health of the local ecosystem. The chaffinch's melodious song is a symbol of spring in many European cultures and is often associated with the renewal of nature and harmony in the wild.