Grey-headed bullfinch

The Grey-headed bullfinch, Gray-headed bullfinch, or Beavan's Bullfinch is a species of finch in the family Fringillidae.

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Distribution

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

Characteristics

Size15–17 cm

Wing Span22–26 cm

Male Weight0.024 kg

Female Weight0.022 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

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.

Gallery

An 1863 illustration by John Jennens

Egg of Pyrrhula erythaca MHNT

Behaviour

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.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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