Description
The Bullfinch is a quiet, secretive but heavily built finch that usually
spends its time among the branches and dense undergrowth of woodlands. Both
sexes have a thick black bill, black wings, face and cap, and a white rump and
wing-bar. The handsome male has a blue-grey back and bright rose-pink breast,
belly, and cheeks. The female has a brown back and pinkish-fawn under parts. The
juveniles are like the adult female, but do not have black caps.
In the winter, our resident population can be joined by "northern" Bullfinches
from northern Europe. These are slightly larger and heavier and much less shy
than our own Bullfinch, and the male has a more intense pink breast and very
pale grey upperparts.
Voice
In keeping with its quiet nature, the Bullfinch's song is a quiet warble.
However, you are more likely to hear its call, which is a piped "phew".
Feeding
Bullfinches usually feed on insects, berries, seeds (e.g. dock, nettle,
bramble, ash, birch, honesty), and buds - its liking for the latter has made
enemies of some gardeners and fruit growers.
When they visit the garden they usually take seed from a hanging seed feeder or
suet cake.
Breeding
Bullfinches usually nest in shrubs or bushes, such as blackthorn and
hawthorn, in woodland, orchards or agricultural farmland. The nest, which is a
flimsy, loose structure of twigs and moss lined with fine roots and hair, is
built by the female.
The female Bullfinch lays and incubates eggs that are smooth, glossy and light
blue with purplish markings at one end. The eggs are about 20 mm by 15 mm. Both
parents feed the young after they have hatched.
| Breeding Starts |
Number of Clutches |
Number of Eggs |
Incubation (days) |
Fledge (days) |
| April-May |
1-3 |
4-7 |
12-14 |
12-18 |
Reproduced with kind permission of
Home
Site Map
Red List