Bullfinch

The Bullfinch is a sturdy small bird, easily recognised by its rounded shape and short, thick black beak, which is well suited for eating buds and seeds. Male Bullfinches have a bright pink chest and cheeks, while females have softer pinkish-brown colours. Both males and females have a black cap on their heads, a white patch on their lower back that is easy to see when they fly, and a grey back. Their call is soft and sounds a little sad. Bullfinches live all year round across much of Europe and parts of temperate Asia. They are often found at the edges of woodlands, in hedges, orchards, and gardens where there is plenty of thick cover. They prefer places with scattered trees and dense undergrowth. In the past, Bullfinches were seen as pests in orchards because they liked to eat the buds of fruit trees. However, their numbers have gone down in recent years. Because they tend to stay hidden in thick bushes and are not very noisy, they are often missed, even though their bright colours ought to make them stand out.