chaffinch

[ chaf-inch ]

noun

1. a common finch, Fringilla coelebs, of the Old World, often kept as a pet.

chaffinch

/ ˈtʃæfɪntʃ /

noun

1. a common European finch, Fringilla coelebs, with black and white wings and, in the male, a reddish body and blue-grey head

Word History and Origins

Origin of chaffinch¹

1400–50; late Middle English chaffynche, Old English ceaffinc. See chaff ¹, finch

Word History and Origins

Origin of chaffinch¹

Old English ceaffinc, from ceaf chaff ¹+ finc finch

Example Sentences

In fall 2021, they studied common redstart, chaffinch and dunnock on Helgoland, an island off the German coast along the North Sea that is a popular stopover for birds on the move each autumn.

From Washington Post

The group froze at every chirp of a thrush or chaffinch, one hand holding the binoculars, the other a tombstone for balance.

From New York Times

The chaffinch and the brambling, he said, give the spit a distinctive tart taste that he has not savored for 10 years.

From New York Times

As well as the chaffinch’s call, there’s a curious tap-tap-tapping; beyond, a bird with a sore throat is imitating a donkey; then there’s a hoot, a laugh and a furious chattering argument.

From The Guardian

The chaffinch is one of the most widespread and abundant birds in the British Isles.

From BBC