Swarovski 80HD Nikon CP990

Location	female

Brambling

Fringilla montifringilla 15cm

These close relatives of the native Chaffinch are winter visitors to the UK, although not common they often form roaming large flocks.

In Britain we don't generally get to see the adult males full breeding plumage. Much like the reed bunting, the males in winter have grey mottled heads which will turn black as they approach the breeding season.

The feeding station at Marquis Drive is a reliable location in Staffordshire for wintering Brambling, although the numbers vary greatly. When natural food sources are available there may only be a few birds present, whilst on occasions hundreds of birds at a time can descend on this feeding area.