Shy but Striking: A Closer Look at the Elusive Bullfinch

Since first noticing a bullfinch in May, I have gone on to spot several more in and around Rampton. On one occasion, I watched a pair moving quickly between the trees beside the Lode. Later, while heading home, I came across another bird feeding on the soft, fluffy seeds of ragwort. The light was fading fast, but I still managed to get a reasonably clear photograph.

A Beautiful but Elusive Bird

The male bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula) is an especially striking bird. Its breast and cheeks are a soft salmon-pink, contrasting with its gray back, black cap and black tail. A bright white rump is also clearly visible, while its gentle, mournful call and naturally cautious behavior make it a particularly interesting bird to encounter.

I have probably seen a bullfinch only around half a dozen times in total. About a week ago, I noticed one again and managed to take a rather poor photograph. This time, however, I heard the bird calling before I reached the area where it was staying. I carefully approached the spot where I expected to find it, but it quickly flew away and disappeared among the trees, whose leaves were becoming increasingly dense. Even so, I managed to get another photograph. It may not be a great picture, but at least it provides some evidence that the bird was there.

Where to Find Bullfinches

According to the RSPB, bullfinches are most commonly encountered in woodland, orchards and hedgerows. Woodland edges can be particularly good places to look for them, which is where I found the bird featured here.

Although they are generally shy and difficult to approach, bullfinches can occasionally appear in gardens as well. Many years ago, we were fortunate enough to have one visit our own back garden, making it a memorable sighting.