Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) Science Article 1
abstract
From 1991 to 2003, 2,954 Chaffinches Fringilla coelebs were caught and ringed, year-round, at Hilborough, Norfolk, England. The age and sex composition of Chaffinches varied between winters, but no systematic pattern was apparent. The age and sex composition of Chaffinches caught during winter did not vary significantly from that of Chaffinches caught during the breeding season. Chaffinch wing lengths and body weights did not vary significantly between seasons. Male Chaffinches had wings that were on average 6 mm longer than females and adult wings were on average 2-3 mm longer than immatures and juveniles. Male Chaffinches were on average 2 g heavier than females. Approximately 40% of juvenile Chaffinches retained unmoulted greater coverts after their post-juvenile moult, retaining 1.47