The Bullfinch is a special type of finch that has dense feathers which differ based on their sex and age. Although it may be tricky to differentiate them from ordinary youthful birds, identifying them can be quite simple. So, what do Bullfinches look like?
The fully grown male Bullfinch is a delightful little bird that boasts a rosy abdomen, chest, and cheeks. Its flying feathers and tail are also adorned with black accents, while its black cap extends from beneath its chin to the back of its neck.
Female plumage is comparable, but they possess a brownish back and grey-brown underparts. Both males and females share the same features such as a prominent white wing bar, thick black beaks, black eyes, and dark legs. During flight, they exhibit a stunning white rump with an immaculate white vent area. Juvenile birds are mainly brown and lack the adult’s black crown, but they have black wings and tails with a white band on each wing. Their distinguishing feature is their striking white or off-white rump.
The adult male Chaffinches can be mistaken for adult male Bullfinches at first glance due to their pink underparts, but they have brown backs instead of black crowns, faces, and bills like the Bullfinch. If you’re wondering about the size of Bullfinches, they are relatively small birds with a big head and a sturdy bill. They are slightly bigger than Robins.
Most adult Bullfinches usually have a body length of around 14 to 16 centimeters. Despite their sturdy build, they possess a relatively short neck and beak, but a longer tail.
Even though the average weight of birds in the UK falls between 21 to 27 grams, there are some exceptions that can weigh as much as 38 grams. This is quite remarkable, considering their relatively small size. Additionally, the length of their wings can also vary and should not be underestimated.
Bullfinches have a wingspan that ranges from 22 to 26 cm, making them quite large compared to robins. In terms of vocalization, both male and female bullfinches sing, but it is the males who are known to be more chatty. When they sing, the sound is soft and soothing, with a unique variation from one bird to another. The song is often described as “Peeu” or “deu,” frequently accompanied by piping whistles, which makes it quite appealing to listen to.
The Bullfinch is well-equipped to thrive on a diet that consists mostly of plants due to its sturdy physique. Their tendency to scavenge orchards has resulted in disagreements with farmers. If you want to learn more about the Bullfinch’s eating habits, keep reading. Bullfinches are primarily herbivores, although they will occasionally eat small insects like beetles, moths, and aphids. They rely heavily on seeds, buds, and shoots for sustenance. Unfortunately, they can cause significant damage to fruit harvests such as pears, apples, gooseberries, cherries, and plums. They also have a fondness for flower buds during the winter and spring. As a result of their actions, farmers now consider them pests. To discover what Bullfinches eat and their typical feeding patterns, consult our Bullfinch diet guide. Additionally, our guide includes information on what to feed Bullfinch chicks.
Bullfinches are found across Europe and Asia, from Great Britain to Japan. In the UK, they are distributed throughout England, Scotland, and Wales, but are less common in Northern Ireland.
Although bullfinches are absent from certain regions in northern Scotland, they are generally prevalent throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland. These charming birds are also found across Europe, Japan, and the eastern Kamchatka Peninsula.