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Latin name

Pyrrhula pyrrhula

Family

Finches (Fringillidae)

Overview

The male is unmistakable with his bright pinkish-red breast and cheeks, grey back, black cap and tail, and bright white rump. The flash of the rump in flight and the sad call note are usually the first signs of bullfinches being present. They feed voraciously of the buds of various trees in spring and were once a 'pest' of fruit crops.

Where to see them

Woodlands, orchard and hedgerows. Best looked for at woodland edges - usually located by its mournful call.

When to see them

All year round.

What they eat

Seeds, buds and insects (for young).

Estimated numbers

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

In the UK

All UK, except far N and w of Scotland

In Europe

All Europe

Worldwide

Europe and Asia

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Find out more

• Videos

Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100)

3 illustrations 123

Male

Female

Juvenile

Similar birds

Chaffinch