Sunflower Seeds: Chaffinches love sunflower seeds, which are rich in essential oils, vitamins, and minerals. They often visit bird feeders and gardens where sunflower seeds are available.
Nyjer Seeds: Nyjer seeds, also known as niger seeds or thistle seeds, are small black seeds that are particularly favored by chaffinches. These seeds are high in oil content, providing chaffinches with a concentrated energy source.
Hemp Seeds: Hemp seeds are another preferred seed type for chaffinches. They are rich in protein, fiber, and omega fatty acids, making them a nutritious choice for these birds.
Weed Seeds: Chaffinches also consume weed seeds from various plants. Common weeds whose seeds chaffinches feed on include dandelion, chickweed, and plantain.
In addition to seeds, chaffinches may occasionally eat insects, especially during the breeding season when they need extra protein to feed their young. They may catch small insects such as aphids, spiders, and caterpillars. Chaffinches have also been observed eating fruits, berries, and flowers from shrubs and trees, but these items make up a smaller part of their diet.
It's important to note that chaffinches usually forage on the ground, searching for fallen seeds, while sometimes they may feed directly from plants or visit bird feeders. Their diet varies depending on the season, availability of different food sources, and their geographic location.