The Brambling

You might spot this cousin of the chaffinch flying in from Scandinavia in winter. Ken Anckorn, conservation manager at Surrey Wildlife Trust tells us more

MOST of us are familiar with the chaffinch, a common bird that we frequently see in our parks and gardens, and on our bird feeders. At this time of year it pays to take a second look at your local chaffinches, as they may be joined by their northern cousin, the brambling (Fringilla montifringilla).

Similar in size and shape, in winter the brambling can be distinguished by its white rump and belly, orange wing feathers (scapula), dark spotted flanks and uniform tail colour. It lacks the white outer tail feathers of the chaffinch.