Bullfinches
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Bullfinch is a name given to two groups of passerine birds.
The true bullfinches are thick-billed finches in the passerine family Fringillidae. They comprise the genus Pyrrhula. These birds are restricted to the Old World, and are:
- Brown Bullfinch, Pyrrhula nipalensis
- White-cheeked Bullfinch, Pyrrhula leucogenis
- Orange Bullfinch, Pyrrhula aurantiaca
- Red-headed Bullfinch, Pyrrhula erythrocephala
- Gray-headed Bullfinch, Pyrrhula erythaca
- Eurasian Bullfinch, Pyrrhula pyrrhula
- Azores Bullfinch, Pyrrhula murina
There is an unrelated group of New World birds also named as bullfinches because of their superficial resemblances to the above species. These passerines are in the large bunting and North American sparrow family Emberizidae.
Three are in the genus Loxigilla:
- Puerto Rican Bullfinch, Loxigilla portoricensis: The Puerto Rican Bullfinch (Loxigilla portoricensis) is a small bullfinch endemic to the archipelago of Puerto Rico and one of 3 species belonging to the Loxigilla genus of the Emberizidae family. The Puerto Rican Bullfinch has black feathers with red areas above the eyes, around its throat, and underneath the tail's base. The species measures from 17 to 19 cm and weighs approximately 32 grams. The species can be commonly found in heavy forests throughout Puerto Rico, except on the easternmost tip of the island. It consumes seeds, fruits, insects, and spiders. The nest is spherical, with an entrance on the side. Typically three light green eggs are laid. A subspecies, Loxigilla portoricensis grandis, endemic to St. Kitts was last reported in 1880 and is presently considered extinct.
- Greater Antillean Bullfinch, Loxigilla violacea
- Lesser Antillean Bullfinch, Loxigilla noctis
The fourth is
- Cuban Bullfinch, Melopyrrha nigra
(Source: Wikipedia.org)
Care and Feeding:
For further information, please refer to the finch websites listed under the heading or, for more general information, the below web resources are helpful:- Sources for Purchasing or Adopting your Companion or Aviary Bird
- Optimal nutrition to keep your bird healthy
- Housing your bird / Fun & Safe Toys
- Caring for your companion bird
Related Web Resources: Bullfinch (Birds of Britain) ... Eurasian Bullfinch Visits Fairbanks ... Arthur Grosset.com
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