Species of the Month December 2020 / January 2021

Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula

 

A large and striking finch, the bullfinch is fairly common bird in south east Wales. Lucky recorders may even have them visiting garden feeders - though they are less welcomed by some gardeners due to their taste for young tree buds.

The male has an obvious orange breast and black cap (top photo); the female is similar but more muted in colour (bottom photo). They also have an obvious white rump which may be spotted in flight. A good way to locate the species is their mournful call (listen on British Birdsongs).

Bullfinch are resident in Wales so can be found all year, but deep winter can be a good time to spot them amongst bare trees. You can learn more about the species from the RSPB and on the Living Levels website.

If you spot Bullfinch during December / January (or at any other time of year), please send us the record, ideally via SEWBReCORD or the LERC Wales App. Instructions on how to submit records are available here.