But what makes a finch champion? According to experienced Vinkeniers such as Jan Hollevoet, Genetics plays a major role. “Singing must be in the bird. You can opt for a good breeding bird or a strong learning bird, but in the end it is in the character.”
A finch is considered good from around 400 sung songs, ‘Suskewiet’, per hour, but the absolute top is much higher. The title went to Daniel de Vos from Tielt this year, whose Vink sang no fewer than 917 songs in one hour. Good for the victory and the title of Belgian champion.