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Sound clips and movies require Adobe Flash player. Latin namePyrrhula pyrrhula FamilyFinches (Fringillidae) OverviewThe 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. Recent declines place it on the Red List. Where to see themWoodlands, orchard and hedgerows. Best looked for at woodland edges - usually located by its mournful call. When to see themAll year round. What they eatSeeds, 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
Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations. Find out moreAudio 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) |
 Male  Female  Juvenile Similar birdsHelp the BullfinchWe need to take urgent action to secure the future of this species. Become a member today and help us continue our vital conservation work. |
Male bullfinch on frosty branch eating guelder rose berries - Graham Catley
Pair of bullfinches courtship-feeding - Steve Round
Bird illustrations by Mike Langman (RSPB)