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Bullfinch (Pyrrhula Pyrrhula)
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Overview
One of the most colourful native British species. The Bullfinch can easily pass unnoticed in the garden as it prefers thick foliage. You can consider yourself lucky if these colourful birds visit your garden. When their winter seed supply runs out, they will eat tree buds although these contain little nourishment. The Bullfinch’s song is a quiet warbling and their call a distinctive whistle deu-deu, which can be heard even when the birds are hidden.
Description
The male has a deep pink chest and under parts, black cap and a white rump which is often the only thing seen as it flies off. The female is a greyer version. These birds have the typical strong finch beak and can cause problems to gardeners and soft fruit growers.
Distribution
Distributed thinly across the UK, except for North West Scotland.
Habitat
Woodlands, orchards and hedgerows. They are most commonly seen on the edge of woodlands.
Breeding
Most Bullfinch pairs stay together through the year unlike most birds which split up after breeding. In spring the male chooses a nest site. He leads the female to suitable locations in a thick hedge or conifer where she builds a delicate nest of twigs and fine rootlets. 4 or 5 purple streaked green-blue eggs are laid, hatching after 14 days incubation by the female. The young fledge after 12-16 days and a second brood is common.
Food
Bullfinches mainly eat the seeds of ash, birch and bramble when available. In the garden they enjoy seed mixes and occasionally peanuts. They are not commonly seen in gardens.
Population Trends
Bullfinches have been in decline for several years for unknown reasons.
