Similar in size and shape to the Chaffinch, the male has a black head in summer, and an orange breast with white belly. In flight it shows a long white rump.

In winter it likes Beech woodland and farmland fields near woods. Look in flocks of Chaffinches and other finches. In autumn look along east coast woodlands and fields. Will visit gardens in winter.

Watch out for them from mid-September until March and April. Occasional birds stay into May or even later.

Gregarious in winter, it may form flocks of many thousands and often joins with Chaffinches. Numbers can vary between winters depending on food supplies.

Widespread as a visitor throughout Britain

Varying numbers pass the winter months in Leicestershire and Rutland and some years it becomes fairly common here.