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Brambling (Fringilla Montifringilla)
Overview
They are a very migratory bird and are only here in the winter months however some have been known to stay through the summer period. To be found in beech woodlands and near to wooded areas.
Description
This is a chameleon of the finch family with its changing plumage through the seasons of the year. In the winter the male bird has a streaked head orange breast plumage and a white rump in the spring the males head becomes much darker in colour with a rich orangey red colour on his wings and breast. The females are not so bright and cheerful in colour.
Distribution
Throughout the UK from September through to April except for the far north west of Scotland. Their numbers vary depending on food supplies within mainland Europe.
Habitat
In winter see them in woodland and on farmland near woods and tree belts. They are often seen in flocks of other finches.
Breeding
Very rarely breeds in the UK but it has been known for those birds that do stay over in the summer months to breed.
Food
Out in the open they feast on seeds in the winter and insects in the summer. They enjoy eating peanut granules and sunflower hearts from feeding areas and mainly enjoys eating off the ground or on ground feeding trays.
Population Trends
There are no current concerns about the Brambling population. The wintering population in the UK varies depending on food availability in mainland Europe and Scandinavia.
