Bullfinches are in serious trouble in Britain, with the population down by 62 per cent in 35 years.

Physical description
Bullfinches are 14-16cm long with a wingspan of 16-18cm. Males have a black cap, grey upper-parts, black wings and tail, a white rump and wingbars, and a red breast. The females and juveniles lack the red breast and are brownish-pink with a brown mantle.

Distribution
Bullfinches inhabit Europe, south to Mediterranean regions (but not South Spain), as well as Asia to Japan.

Habitat
Their typical habitat is coniferous forest, woodland, parks and gardens as well as cultivated land.

Diet
They feed on buds, seeds and fruit.

Behaviour
Bullfinches are shy birds and do not often land on the ground. They tend to live in family groups.

Reproduction
The female builds the very twiggy cup-shaped nest of twigs and moss in a bush or hedge. She incubates the clutch of 4-5 eggs for 12-14 days.

Conservation status
Bullfinches are not considered to be globally threatened, although they have decreased dramatically in Britain. There are now probably less than 200,000 pairs here.

Voice
They have a low whistling call as well as a quiet piping song.