Brambling

The Brambling is a finch whose plumage changes considerably between summer and winter. In the winter, it has a black head, orange breast, white rump, and its upper parts are mainly black but mingled with orange. At first glance they are very similar to the Chaffinch, which is unfortunate as we are most likely to see Bramblings at wintertime with flocks of Chaffinch, though the white rump of the Brambling is a distinguishing feature. In the summer, the male has a glossy black head and back, and orange on its breast that extends round its back in a band. The female's summer plumage is the same as in the winter, but brighter. Juveniles are similar to females, but the latter have dark mottled head, and grey cheeks and neck.