Bullfinch

Despite its distinctive colouring, the bullfinch is not often seen; it is a shy bird, keeping cover in hedgerows and bushes. Often the only clue to its presence is its call.

Characteristics
The Bullfinch is a bulky bull-headed bird; the male is unmistakable with his bright pinkish-red breast and cheeks, grey back, black cap and tail, and bright white rump. The black bill is short and thick. The female and young birds have grey-buff underparts.


Habitat
Bullfinches are usually found in woodlands, orchard and hedgerows. The birds mainly breed in woodlands but also in parkland and gardens.

They build nest in bushes or trees using twigs, moss and lichens, and laying between 4-7 eggs.


Behaviour
Bullfinch mainly feed on seeds and buds of fruit trees, which has made them a pest in orchards.

They often raid orchards to strip fruit trees of their young buds. When they visit the garden they usually take seed from a hanging seed feeder or suet cake.


The pleasant song of this unobtrusive bird contains fluted whistles and is a quiet warble. However, you are more likely to hear its call, which is a piped "phew".
B.A.B.

www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife