Bullfinch, Pyrrhula pyrrhula

The Bullfinch is a striking bird found across the UK throughout the year. The adult male has bright pink underparts and a black head and face. Although seen in gardens it is more commonly associated with scrub and woodland. UK Bullfinch populations have declined by 36% since 1967.  A large finch with a compact body. Adults have a black head and face, grey back, black tail and white rump. Adult males have bright pink-red underparts, whereas the female has greyish-buff underparts. Juveniles have a brown head and face. In flight the white rump patch and broad off-white wing bar is fairly obvious.  The call is a quiet low-pitched short whistle, or fluted ‘phu’ note.  The Bullfinch is currently listed as an ‘amber’ species of conservation concern because of its recent breeding population decline.  The decline eased during the mid 1980s and has upturned since 2000.