Common Chaffinch song and calls

Birdsong and calls are often the easiest way to identify the Common Chaffinch, especially when the bird is hidden in dense foliage. Below is what to listen for.

Song

A loud, rapid, and cheerful song, typically starting with a series of 'chip-chip-chip' notes, accelerating into a trill, and ending with a distinctive, emphatic 'tschink' or 'chick-choo-wee' flourish. Often described as 'chip-chip-chip-cherr-wee-oo'. Regional variations in song exist.

Calls

Common calls include a sharp, metallic 'pink!' or 'chink!' (often given in flight or alarm), a soft 'hweet' contact call, and a 'yupp' or 'chup' call. The 'rain call' is a distinctive, drawn-out 'huit' or 'weeeet', often heard before or during rain.

When they vocalize

Males sing frequently from early spring through summer to attract mates and defend territory. Calls are given year-round, especially the 'pink' call, which is a common contact note.

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