The Chaffinch residence in the northern hemisphere is widespread. Birders see the bird in Europe, North Africa, Iran, Siberia and in the Canaries, Azores, Madeira and Cape Verde Islands. The chaffinch entered into New Zealand around 1862 near the town of Nelson. Also private citizens and the Fish and Game Councils of the time introduced the birds into New Zealand.
The chaffinch are equally at home in city parks and gardens, farmland, orchards and scrub as well as the bush at the seaside to the high lands. The Chaffinch prefers a habitat of woodlands with many trees. An interesting fact is the bird doesn't sing in a tree of less than 16 feet in height.
The Chaffinch mostly feeds on the ground. They usually feed on insects and fruit seeds. They are especially fond of insects like caterpillars, pests and small flies. Sometimes the Chaffinch will catch flies in mid air and collects insects from under leaves. If a home owner feeds their dog outside you will often see a Chaffinch dine on the odd crumb or two that the dog leaves. They always flick their wings and tail while they eat.
Soon after their arrival at his spring breeding grounds he pursues a female. His sweet song and the sheltered territory he claimed attracts the female. In New Zealand because of the longer warm weather season, the pair may brood a second time. In Europe, the spring time doesn't last as long so they usually only breed once. If both parents survive migration and meet again in the following year, they will probably breed again.
The books says, "the nest is a compact deep cup made from dried grass and decorated on the outside by lichen and moss and inside lined with feathers." It is the female that builds
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