Common Chaffinch: Migration

In terms of sheer numbers, the Common Chaffinch is one of Sweden's most conspicuous migrants.

• Migration period: northern populations move to western and southern Europe from September to November and return in March-April.
• Visible passage: on autumn days along the coasts you can count tens of thousands of chaffinches flying past.
• Variation: birds in southern Sweden are often more sedentary and may stay through the winter.

Swedish ringed chaffinches have been recovered as far away as Britain, France and Spain, showing just how long the autumn migrations can be.

More about the Common Chaffinch

• Song & calls
• Breeding
• Nest & eggs
• Diet
• In winter
• Male & female