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Birds and Butterflies of Rhodes
RODOPTERA
Fringilla coelebs
Chaffinch (male). Greek: σπίννος (αρσενικός). Gadouras River, April 2022.
Resident, common. Length 14-15 cm, wingspan 24-28 cm. Sexes similar, duller colouring in females. Open woodland primarily with coniferous trees. Forages mainly on ground. Feeds on seeds, but mainly insects, larvae during breeding. Nests in trees, bushes a few metres above ground. Aggressive territorial male behaviour during breeding. Wavy flight, flashes white wing patches and tail feathers in hovering landing. Sings from tree tops. Melodious far-carrying song with vigorous stream of descending notes, many dialects.
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