Bulfinch, or pyrrkula, a species of bird comprehended under the genus Loxia, and so generally known as to require but little description. The head, wings, and tail are black; the breast and belly red; the upper tail, coverts and vent, white ; and the breast of an ash-colour. In the female, the under parts are of a reddish brown. This bird is common in most parts of the Continent, and throughout Russia and Siberia, at which last places it is caught for the table. It is also pretty general in England, and builds in bushes, five or six feet from the ground. The nest is principally composed of moss, and the eggs, which are five or six in number, are of a blueish white colour, marked at the large end with dark spots. The time of breeding is about the end of May, or the beginning of June; and in summer its principal residence is in woods; but in winter it approaches gardens and orchards, and is, perhaps, unjustly stigmatized stroying the buds of trees, though it appears that its object is not the bud itself, but "the worm in the bud, " and that the bulfinch is one of those species of birds that defend the embryo fruits, by destroying the nests of innumerable bisects, and thus promote their growth. In its wild state, the bulfinch has a simple note, but when tamed, it becomes remarkably docile, and may be taught to whistle any notes, or even a whole tune, in the most accurate manner. There is a considerable number of these birds annually import-ed from Germany, some of which are even taught to speak, but they are remarkable for imitating wind-music, particularly flagelets.

When bulfinches are taken young, they may be reared in the same manner as a linnet. The best way to distinguish the cock of this bird from the hen, is, to pull half a dozen feathers from its breast, when about three weeks old, and in ten or twelve days after, they will appear of a brightish red.