The male is unmistakable with his bright pinkish-red breast and cheeks, grey back, black cap and tail, and bright white rump. The flash of the rump in flight and the sad call note are usually the first signs of Bullfinches being present.

Woodlands, orchard and hedgerows. Best looked for at woodland edges - usually located by its mournful call.

All year round

Bullfinches feed voraciously of the buds of various trees in spring and were once a 'pest' of fruit crops.

Common and widespread in Britain

A common breeding bird in Leicestershire and Rutland.