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Overview
Orange bullfinch

Orange bullfinch

Wikipedia

The orange bullfinch is a species of finch in the family Fringillidae. It is found in India and Pakistan. Its natural habitat is temperate forests.

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Distribution

Region

Western Himalayas

Typical Environment

Found in temperate and mixed conifer-broadleaf forests from northern Pakistan through Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh in India. It frequents forest edges, rhododendron thickets, and riverine woods with abundant shrubs. During winter it may descend into lower wooded valleys and orchards. It keeps to dense foliage, often high in the canopy, and is most active at quiet forest margins. Local movements follow fruiting and budding cycles.

Altitude Range

1800–3300 m

Climate Zone

Highland

Characteristics

Size15–17 cm
Wing Span22–27 cm
Male Weight0.024 kg
Female Weight0.022 kg
Life Expectancy5 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The orange bullfinch is a shy Himalayan finch with richly orange underparts and a stout finch bill. It favors cool, wooded slopes and often keeps to the canopy, making it easy to overlook despite its color. Pairs or small groups feed quietly on buds and seeds, especially in spring. It is currently not considered threatened, though localized and sensitive to forest degradation.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo

Behaviour

Temperament

quiet, shy, and unobtrusive

Flight Pattern

short, undulating flight with rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Usually seen in pairs during the breeding season and in small family groups or loose flocks outside it. Nests are placed in dense shrubs or low trees, where the female incubates while the male often feeds her. Pair bonds are strong and birds keep close contact with soft calls.

Migratory Pattern

Partial migrant

Song Description

Song is soft and subdued, a series of mellow whistles and piping notes delivered from cover. Calls include quiet, plaintive pew or teeu notes used to maintain contact within the canopy.

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