The rose-red breast, large black cap and thick bill make the bullfinch easy to identify. A plump-looking bird of woodlands, hedgerows and orchards, it also frequents gardens.
Species information
Statistics
Length: 16cmWingspan: 26cm
Weight: 21g
Average lifespan: 2 years
Conservation status
Classified in the UK as Amber under the Birds of Conservation Concern 5: the Red List for Birds (2021). Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. Priority Species under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework.
When to see
January to DecemberAbout
The bullfinch is a large, plump finch that feeds on buds and fruit in woodlands, hedgerows, parklands, gardens and orchards. Beautiful, easy to tame and skilful at mimicry, it was often taken as a cage-bird in times past. Shy and secretive, its melancholy call may be the only indication of its presence in a thicket. Bullfinches usually nest in shrubs, such as hawthorn and blackthorn, making a flimsy nest out of twigs and moss.How to identify
If you get a good view, the male bullfinch is unmistakeable. It has a black cap, stubby black bill, grey back, black-and-white wings, a black tail, startling white rump and rose-red breast. Females display a similar colour pattern, but are greyish-brown, rather than bright pink.In our area
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