The Grey-headed bullfinch, Gray-headed bullfinch, or Beavan's Bullfinch is a species of finch in the family Fringillidae.
Region
Himalayas and Southwest China
Typical Environment
Occurs in moist montane forests, especially coniferous and mixed broadleaf-conifer stands with dense undergrowth. Frequently uses rhododendron and bamboo thickets, forest edges, and clearings. In winter it may descend into valleys and secondary growth near villages. Prefers areas with abundant seed-bearing shrubs and trees. Often encountered in small, quiet flocks moving through the mid-story and canopy.
Altitude Range
1200–3600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Grey-headed bullfinch, also called Beavan's Bullfinch, is a quiet, unobtrusive finch of montane forests in the Himalayas and southwestern China. It often moves altitudinally, descending to lower elevations in winter. Like other bullfinches, it has a stout conical bill adapted for cracking seeds and buds, and its soft, piping calls can give away flocks feeding in rhododendron thickets.
An 1863 illustration by John Jennens
Egg of Pyrrhula erythaca MHNT
Temperament
quiet and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
direct with short, rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it travels in small, loose flocks, often mixing with other seedeaters. Breeding pairs are monogamous and nest discreetly in dense shrubs or conifers, building a small cup of twigs and rootlets. Clutches are typically small, and adults remain close to cover while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Soft, thin piping notes and gentle whistles delivered from cover or while foraging. The song is subdued and intermittent, lacking the complex trills of many other finches.
Plumage
A compact bullfinch with a neat, slate-grey head contrasting with a warm brown back and rufous-buff underparts; wings are dark with a subtle pale wing bar. The bill is short, deep, and blackish, and the undertail area is paler. Females are duller and browner overall with less contrast.
Diet
Feeds mainly on seeds, buds, and soft fruits gleaned from shrubs and trees. It takes flower buds of high-montane plants and conifers, and supplements with small insects, especially during the breeding season. The stout bill allows it to crack hard seeds efficiently and nip buds with precision.
Preferred Environment
Typically forages in the mid-story of rhododendron, bamboo, and mixed montane forest, as well as along forest edges and clearings. In winter it may descend to scrubby valleys and secondary growth near human settlements. Often feeds quietly within dense foliage.
