Bullfinch: the appearance of birds and their genus, whether they are migratory or sedentary

Bullfinches are amazingly beautiful birds, delighting people with their colorful appearance. However, they can only be admired in winter; in summer, they are simply impossible to see, as they change their coloring, become less colorful, and become completely immersed in caring for their young.

Description and characteristics of the bullfinch

Bullfinches are known to belong to a distinct genus of songbirds, belonging to the finch family. It's worth noting that bullfinches are small in size, slightly larger than a sparrow. They typically weigh up to 30 grams. This bird has a strong and rather compact build. The average bullfinch's body length is 18 centimeters, and if you include its wingspan, it can reach up to 30 centimeters.

Bullfinches have several characteristics:

1. Plumage color.
2. Song.

The plumage coloration of the female and male differs greatly. For example, the female's breast is pinkish-gray, while the male's is red. Incidentally, this bright plumage on the breast can be used to distinguish them from other birds. The coloration is also interesting because their head seems to be covered with a black cap, and then it gradually fades into a single small black spot ending on the chin. This bird's back and wings are very bright. The back is bluish-gray, and the wings feature a combination of black and white stripes.

The tail feathers are white, and the bill is black, broad and thick. The bullfinch's feet are also black, but quite strong and very robust, with three toes, and its claws are not only small but also very tenacious and sharp. Finally, the rest of the body is gray-brown. However, the chicks' coloring is dull, while the female's is brighter than that of the males.

But its distinctive feature isn't just the color of its plumage, but also its song. The sounds it makes are impossible to describe, but they also can't be confused with any other bird song. The bullfinch's song can be compare to the creaking of metalThis song can be heard during the mating season, not only from the female, but also from the male.

The character and lifestyle of the bullfinch

Bullfinches are considered forest birds. They choose coniferous and mixed forests for their nests. They are widespread in the taiga coniferous forests of Europe and Asia, stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean.

But bullfinches can be seen not only in the depths of the forest, but also in parks, on playgrounds, in the courtyards of residential buildings. And if there is a bird feeder hanging in one of the windows of a multi-story building, they will happily fly to it to refresh themselves and enjoy a snack.

In winter, trying to feed ourselves, bullfinches are forced to fly into the city, so people can easily spot these colorful bird-like balls as they fly from branch to branch. The winter bullfinch not only looks beautiful, but its appearance also lifts a person's spirits.

These birds love rowan trees, which they usually approach in a flock. The males let the females choose the berries, and then feast on them themselves. However, they don't stay long on this tree, as they don't eat the juicy pulp, preferring the seeds. Then they fly off again to another tree.

Bullfinches are unhurried in their behavior, but also very calm, careful, and cautious. If a person suddenly appears nearby, they immediately become wary and try to keep their distance. This is especially evident in the behavior of the female. However, if a person leaves food for them, they will eventually feast on it.

People often try to keep a bullfinch at home. But for it to thrive at home, it's important to follow several rules. For example, it's necessary to maintain a certain temperature regimeBullfinches don't like heat, so they'll need to be kept in a cool place. Once they get used to being with humans, you can not only hold them but also teach them simple melodies.

Bullfinches never clash with each other in the same flock. They are very friendly. However, at certain times, aggression may arise among females. This can be identified by the bird's behavior: beak tapping and head rotation. However, such moments are quite rare.

Is the bullfinch a migratory bird or not?

In nature, there are sedentary and migratory birds. It's well known that migratory birds try to fly to warmer climates for the winter. But people often wonder whether bullfinches migrate in the summer.

Much is known about the life of bullfinches in winter:

1. Their flock consists of 7-10 individuals.
2. The more frost there is, the less mobile they are.
3. When it starts to get dark outside, these birds start looking for branches or bushes to spend the night.
4. In the first half of the winter period, their whistling is heard rarely, and in the second half – more often.

But by mid-April, these birds disappear, and no one sees them until the cold weather sets in. But where do they go? Are bullfinches migratory or sedentary? Bullfinches fly in winter. They can settle as far south as the Amur River basin, Central Asia, Transbaikalia, Crimea, and North Africa. But by late March or early April, they return, but hide from people for the summer.

Bullfinches are sedentary birds that tend to hide deep in the forest during the summer. They may also fly away from cities to places where they find peace and solitude. In summer, they build their nests on the highest branches, out of reach of humans. Food is plentiful at this time, so the need for humans diminishes.

Reproduction and lifespan of bullfinches

During the mating season, the male becomes more resonant and pleasant. Females respond to his song with a soft whistle. However, pairing does not begin until closer to March. Responsibility for the family falls to the female.

To create their nests, birds They try to choose a good spruce forestFemales place their nests high up, approximately 2 meters apart. However, bullfinches are rarely found nesting close to the tree trunk.

The female spends a long time patiently weaving her nest, using thin branches and dry grass. Bullfinches skillfully weave these twigs together with their beaks and feet. The birds also place dry leaves, animal hair, and even lichen on the bottom.

In May, the female begins laying eggs. Typically, these are 4-6 blue eggs with small brown speckles. They incubate their offspring for 15 days.

Young chicks have a large appetite, so their parents constantly need to find food for them. After just two weeks, they begin to learn to fly and even attempt to leave the nest on their own. When they are a month old, they begin to live and feed themselves.

Lifespan of bullfinches in the wild can reach 15 years, but it's rare for a bird to survive to this age. And the reasons for a bird's early death can be very varied:

1. Vulnerability to temperature conditions.
2. Lack of food during harsh winter times.
3. Snowy cold winters.

Amid the white snow, it's hard to miss this small, brightly colored bird, so widespread. Bullfinches have long graced magazine covers, postcards, and calendars, bestowing their radiance and joyful spirit upon people.