Trumpeter finch

Description

The trumpeter finch (Bucanetes githagineus) is a small passerine bird in the finch family Fringillidae.This bird breeds in the Canary Islands,across north Africa,and in the Middle East and into central Asia.There is a small European population in southern Spain.Many birds are largely resident,but there is post-breeding dispersal,and some Asian breeders migrate into Pakistan for the winter.Stony desert or semi-desert is favoured for breeding.Four eggs are laid in a nest in a rock crevice.This gregarious terrestrial finch's food is mainly seeds,and,particularly in the breeding season,insects.The trumpeter finch is a small,long-winged bird.It has a large head and short,very thick bill.The summer male has a red bill,grey head and neck,and pale brown upper parts.The breast,rump and tail are pink,the last having dark terminal feathers.Winter males,females and young birds are a very washed-out version of the breeding male.The song of this bird is a buzzing nasal trill,like a tin trumpet.