Chaffinch. Illustration: Mike Langham (rspb-images.com)
Chaffinch
One of our most widespread songbirds, Chaffinches can be found in a wide range of habitats. The highly vocal males are a kaleidoscope of colour while the females are a mix of subtle browns.
Bullfinch. Illustration: Mike Langman (rspb-images.com)
Bullfinch
Found in woodlands, parks and orchards, Bullfinches are unmistakable. In flight, their white rump is obvious, and their soft repeated whistle is often heard well before the birds are seen.
Brambling. Illustration: Mike Langman (rspb-images.com)
Brambling
Structurally similar to Chaffinches, Bramblings arrive here each autumn. Their dark mottled head, orange breast, white rump and spotted flanks help separate them from their more common cousin.
Hawfinch. Illustration: Mike Langman (rspb-images.com)
Hawfinch
Scarce and shy, the Hawfinch is our largest finch by far. Migrants from the continent can turn up just about anywhere, while breeding birds are restricted to a few mature woodlands.
Read Mike Dilger’s in depth feature on Hawfinches
