 Vinkensport in Deinze. The long black rod is used for counting. | |
| Nicknames | vinkenzetting, finching |
|---|---|
| First played | 1596, Flanders |
| Clubs | yes |
| Characteristics | |
| Contact | none |
| Mixed-sex | yes |
| Type | Animal sport |
Vinkensport (Dutch for "finch sport") is a competitive animal sport in which male common chaffinches are made to compete for the highest number of bird calls in an hour. Also called vinkenzetting ("finch sitting"). It is primarily active in Flanders, the Dutch-speaking region of Belgium.
Vinkensport traces its origins to competitions held by Flemish merchants in 1596, and is considered part of traditional Flemish culture. As of 2007, it was estimated that there are over 13,000 enthusiasts, called vinkeniers ("finchers"), breeding 10,000 birds every year. Animal rights activists oppose the sport.