Bullfinches can be seen in woodland, orchards and hedgerows. Best looked for at woodland edges – usually located by its mournful call.
Despite their stella looks, Bullfinches are shy birds which are easily spooked and often avoid the limelight. It’s “pew pew” call is often the easiest way to know they’re in your neck of the woods.
They are similar size to a House Sparrow. They have large head and thick neck with a short black bulbous bill. Both have a glossy black cap and bib and black wings and tail. Males have a rose-pink breast and back is blue-grey. Females have a pinkish-grey chest and back. When in flight you will notice the white rump. Juveniles are like females but slightly more brown without the black cap.
Chaffinches are similar sized with similar colouring. However, the males have a blue-grey head with pinkish brown breast and cheeks with a greenish rump and a blue-grey bill. Females are slightly paler yellowish grey-brown body with a brown bill.
They mainly eat seeds, fruits and buds and will feed young insects.
They typically nest 1-2m up in a bush or shrub. Often in a wooded area of woodland edge as well as gardens and hedgerows.
April – July, they can have 2-3 broods. Some breeding continues through to September.
They have an average lifespan of two years, oldest ringed bird recorded reached nine years old.
No, Bullfinches are residents. Small numbers from Fennoscandia can be seen on the Northern Isles in spring and autumn.
No, they are widespread throughout Britain and Ireland excluding the north of Scotland. However, their population is struggling due to loss of habitats and natural food resources.
