First photographic record of Brown Bullfinch Pyrrhula nipalensis (Aves: Passeriformes: Fringillidae) from Jammu & Kashmir, India

Abstract

The Brown Bullfinch (Pyrrhula nipalensis) is a passerine bird within the family Fringillidae. This study reports the first photographic record of the Brown Bullfinch from the Gurez Valley, Jammu and Kashmir, India. The bird was sighted through a camera trap installed in Butamali Tullail, a meadow for herders at an altitude of 3,400 meters. This shy bird typically forages in pairs or small flocks and feeds on seeds, berries, and buds. The Brown Bullfinch thrives in dense temperate forests and breeds from May to July. It constructs well-concealed nests in shrubs or low trees, and both parents participate in raising the young. The Brown Bullfinch is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, but habitat destruction poses potential threats. Conservation efforts should focus on protecting temperate forests in the Himalayan region.