Fringilla coelebs, commonly known as the Common Chaffinch, is native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. Its geographical distribution extends from the British Isles and southern Scandinavia to the Mediterranean basin, and eastwards through Turkey, the Caucasus, and into central Asia. The species is also present on many Atlantic islands, including the Canary Islands, Madeira, and the Azores.

The Common Chaffinch typically inhabits a variety of wooded areas, including deciduous and mixed forests, woodlands, parks, and gardens. It is adaptable to a range of altitudes, living from sea level up to mountainous regions.

Fringilla coelebs occupies an ecological niche as a seed and insect eater, playing a role in controlling insect populations and dispersing seeds. It often forages on the ground or in foliage and prefers environments with a combination of open spaces for feeding and trees or shrubs for nesting and shelter.