Species Focus - Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula)

The Bullfinch is wonderful to spot, and one is rewarded by two quite different birds if a pair is seen together. They are stocky birds with a black head and very round beak, which is perfect for seeds. The male has a splendid red pinkish breast and a black back, while the female's breast is a more subtle pink with a grey-brown back. When a Bullfinch is seen in flight you will notice a striking white rump against the black of the back and tail.

They are most likely to be found in woodland areas (thickets rather than tall trees), parks, farmland and large gardens. The population has fallen and this is thought to be due to a change in farming practices such as removal of hedgerows. In Wales they are on the red list and are also a Section 7 species. In the 1960's and 70's, when their population was much higher, Bullfinches were considered a pest by orchard owners as the birds adore the buds of fruit trees. The Welsh for Bullfinch, Coch y Berllan means 'red of the orchard'.

They have a very plain but distinctive call, see Xenocanto for plenty of examples. Bullfinches make flimsy nests of twings and moss and lay four or five eggs which are pale blue with purplish markings at one end.

If you see any Bullfinches in north Wales please submit your records, preferably with photographs, to the LERC Wales App or the Cofnod ORS.