The African chaffinch, is a species of passerine bird in the genus Fringilla. This species can be found in southwestern Morocco through Tunisia and into western Libya in the Atlas Mountains and along the Mediterranean Coast, and also has an isolated population in northeastern Libya near the coast. It was formerly considered a subspecies of the Eurasian chaffinch. Its habitat includes deciduous forests and lowlands, and during the nonbreeding season extends its habitat to open areas including weedy fields and olive groves.
Region
Northwest Africa (Maghreb)
Typical Environment
Occurs from southwestern Morocco across northern Algeria and Tunisia into western Libya, with an isolated population in northeastern Libya near the coast. It inhabits deciduous and mixed woodlands, especially oak, pine, and cedar forests of the Atlas Mountains and adjacent foothills. Outside the breeding season it uses more open landscapes including weedy fields, olive groves, orchards, and gardens. Along the Mediterranean coast it occupies maquis, parklands, and shelterbelts with scattered trees. It favors areas with ample seed sources and some canopy or shrub cover for nesting and protection.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Sometimes called the Atlas chaffinch, it was long treated as a subspecies of the Eurasian chaffinch before being split on differences in plumage and song. Males show bold white wing bars and a greenish rump, while females are more subdued and brownish. Its song is a rapid, varied cascade distinct from its European relative, and populations show subtle regional variation.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
undulating with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Forms territorial monogamous pairs in the breeding season, with males singing prominently from perches. Nests are neat cups placed in forks of trees or tall shrubs, often well camouflaged with lichens. Outside breeding, it gathers in small flocks that may join mixed-species groups while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A bright, accelerating cascade of clear notes and trills that ends in a flourish; phrasing differs from the Eurasian chaffinch. Contact calls include a sharp metallic 'pink' and soft twittering in flocks.
Plumage
Male with blue-grey head, rusty-pink underparts, olive-green back and rump, and bold white wing bars; female is brownish-grey with paler underparts and less contrast but clear white wing bars.
Diet
Feeds mainly on seeds of grasses, weeds, and trees, supplemented by buds and small fruits. In the breeding season it takes insects, spiders, and larvae, which are crucial for chick development. It often picks food from the ground but will also glean from low vegetation and branches.
Preferred Environment
Forages along woodland floors, forest edges, and clearings, as well as in orchards, olive groves, and agricultural margins. Frequently uses areas with scattered trees, hedgerows, and paths where seeds accumulate.
