Appearance of Bullfinches
Bullfinches have a distinct look that sets them apart from other finch species. Their thick plumage, which changes with their age and gender, adds to their uniqueness. While telling them apart from the less conspicuous juveniles may prove to be a challenge, identifying Bullfinches is usually relatively easy.
The mature male Bullfinch is known for its endearing appearance, featuring a small body adorned with a pink tummy, chest, and cheeks. To add to its charming appeal, this delightful bird showcases black tail and flying feathers. Additionally, its black cap stretches from underneath its chin all the way to the back of its neck.
Female bullfinches have a similar plumage, with a brownish back and gray-brown underparts. They both have a distinct white wing bar, thick black bills, black eyes, and dark legs. In flight, they reveal a pristine white vent region and a striking white rump. However, young bullfinches differ in appearance, as they are predominantly brown and lack the adult’s black crown. They have black tails and wings, with a noticeable white band on each wing. Their standout feature is their striking white or off-white rump.
The appearances of adult male Chaffinches and adult male Bullfinches may lead to confusion as they both have pink underparts. However, there are distinct differences between these two common birds. While the Bullfinch possesses black crowns, faces, and bills, the chaffinches have brown backs instead. Now, let’s turn our attention to the size of the Bullfinch. As a petite bird, it boasts a remarkably large head and a robustly built bill. In terms of size, this delightful creature slightly surpasses the dimensions of a Robin.
The weight of fully grown Bullfinches generally falls within the range of 23 to 30 grams. These sturdy creatures possess a compact body structure, with a short neck and beak, but sport a relatively lengthy tail.
While the average weight of birds in the UK is typically around 21 to 27 grams, there are some exceptional avian creatures that can reach a weight of up to 38 grams. Now, let’s turn our attention to the length of their wings.
The wingspan of these large finches measures approximately 22 to 26 cm.
When comparing them to robins, bullfinches are slightly larger in size.
Melodies & Vocalizations
Both male and female bullfinches sing, but it is the males who are known to be chattier.
What kind of sounds do bullfinches make?
The songs of bullfinches have a soothing and enchanting quality. While the exact notes may vary slightly from bird to bird, they are often described as “Peeu” or “deu,” accompanied by occasional piping whistles.
What do Bullfinch chicks eat?
When it comes to Bullfinch chicks, their diet is similar to that of adult Bullfinches. They primarily consume seeds, buds, and shoots. However, it is important for their growth and development that they also consume tiny insects like beetles, moths, and aphids occasionally.
While their parents may be seen as pests by farmers due to their impact on fruit harvests and flower buds, Bullfinch chicks are still in their early stages of life and rely heavily on their parents for food and nourishment.
If you want to learn more about the diet of Bullfinch chicks, including what to feed them and their typical feeding habits, refer to our comprehensive guide.
Bullfinches have a wide range across Europe and Asia. In Europe, they can be found from the British Isles to the Ural Mountains, and from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean region. In Asia, their range extends from Siberia to Japan and China. They tend to be sedentary birds, meaning they usually stay in the same area throughout the year. However, some individuals may undertake small-scale movements depending on food availability.
Although they may be absent from certain parts of northern Scotland, bullfinches can be frequently spotted throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland. Not only are these charming creatures prevalent in Europe, but they have also found their way to Japan and the eastern Kamchatka Peninsula.
