Common Bullfinch

• This is a distinctive large finch which is widespread throughout Northern Ireland, but more common in the west
• The bullfinch is one chilled out character living in the slow lane
• When feeding they will stretch out to reach the furthermost seeds rather than shift perchs
• And as far as singing is concerned the male bullfinch leaves all that staccato operatic stuff to the song thrush, indulging in a barely audible, mournful, slightly nasal call
• The male is strikingly coloured with a crimson breast, glossy black cap and grey back whilst the female has the same pattern in a subdued brown
• While they may remain hidden from view  their white rump will show up well as they dart for cover after being disturbed
• Preferred habitats are dense thickets of scrub in woodlands, parks, churchyards, gardens etc. and untrimmed, mature hedges
• Often seen in pairs or small, rather loose flocks
• While feeding, the birds seldom venture more than about 10m from cover
• In spring, the species has a fondness for the buds of fruit trees
• Their habit of feeding on spring blossom buds has brought them a bad reputation in fruit-growing areas