An evaluation of the distribution pattern of the common chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) in Turkey

The common chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) is one of the most common and widespread of the Western Palearctic songbirds and breeds primarily in natural forests in the northern, western, and southwestern parts of Turkey. We reevaluated the distribution of this species in Turkey with recent observational data. Although this species has been considered a breeder in southeastern Turkey, results of this study suggest that it probably does not breed in the region any longer. We examined the effect of climatic (temperature, precipitation, potential evapotranspiration) and topographic (altitude) variables on common chaffinch distribution in Turkey. Our findings show that the presence of this species is more likely in zones with high summer precipitation, which is probably associated with primary productivity and the habitats favored by this species.