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.
Did you know?
Bullfinches were once considered a serious pest in orchards, so much so that in the 16th century, Henry VIII condemned their 'criminal attacks' on fruit trees, and an Act of Parliament declared that one penny would be paid for every bird killed.
