The Bullfinch 

 THE BULLFINCH 



Pyrrhula europaea, Vieillot 



Better known probably as a cage-bird than as a wild 

 inhabitant of our woods and gardens, the Bullfinch is never- 

 theless by no means rare. It inhabits woods, coppices, and 

 thick hedgerows, and is rather a skulking species, but may 

 be recognised when on the wing by its white rump. The 

 call-note is a rather plaintive " whee-ou," and it is easily 

 attracted by imitating its call. Possibly it pairs for life, at 

 least it is generally found in pairs, and even during the 

 winter the male shows considerable affection for his mate, 

 generally keeping close to her and frequently feeding her. 

 The song is a feeble medley of soft flute-like notes, and is 

 generally accompanied by a side to side motion of the tail 

 and body. The nest is commenced in May and consists of 

 a shallow platform of twigs placed three or four feet from the 

 ground in a thick bush or hedge, and is lined with fine root- 

 lets. The eggs, usually four or five in number, are greenish 

 blue spotted and streaked round the larger end with black 

 or pale purplish lilac. The young are fed by regurgitation, 

 insects forming a large proportion of the parents' food 

 during the summer. 



When fledged young and old wander about for a time 

 together, but the old birds soon forage on their own account and 

 leave the young to look after themselves. Berries, especially 

 those of the privet, are largely consumed in autumn, but all 

 kinds of seeds form their diet during the winter months, and 



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