Bullfinch, Pyrrhula pyrrhula.
The male is unmistakable with his bright pinkish-red breast and cheeks, grey back, black cap and tail, and bright white rump. The flash of the rump in flight and the sad call note are usually the first signs of bullfinches being present. They feed voraciously on the buds of various trees in spring and were once a ‘pest’ of fruit crops. Seen all year round, they eat seeds, buds and insects (for young).
Photo: © Colin Pumfrett