Although one of the most colourful native species of finch we have in the UK, the Bullfinch can easily pass unnoticed in the garden as it prefers thick foliage and is shy in its behaviour. When their winter seed supply runs out Bullfinches will turn to eat tree buds, which is the reason the species has historically been so unpopular with fruit growers, as the birds will often strip a fruit tree such as apple of its fruit buds. The Bullfinch’s song is a quiet warbling and their call a distinctive whistle deu-deu, which can be heard even when the birds are hidden. A fairly large finch compared to other species, the male Bullfinch has a deep pink chest and underparts, black cap and a white rump which is often the main feature seen as it flies off. The female Bullfinch is a greyer version but with a similar plumage pattern.

What sound does a Bullfinch make?

00:00 / 00:00

Bullfinch nesting and breeding habits

Most Bullfinch pairs stay together throughout the year – unlike most other songbird species which separate after breeding. In spring the male Bullfinch chooses a nest site and leads the female Bullfinch to it, which will typically be in a thick hedge or conifer, where she builds a delicate nest of twigs and fine rootlets. Bullfinch eggs are purple streaked green-blue, with four to five eggs usually laid which hatch after 14 days with incubation by the female. The young Bullfinches fledge after 12-16 days, with a second brood being common.

Bullfinch history and population trends

There’s been a 41% reduction in UK Bullfinch numbers since the mid-sixties, with this worrying trend meaning the species in now listed as amber status.

Behaviour traits of Bullfinches

Bullfinches are shy and retiring, though when they can be viewed they’re often in pairs or small family groups – even outside of the breeding season. Bullfinches have an unfortunate habit of damaging more fruit buds than they actually eat, and this has historically made the species unpopular with gardeners and fruit growers.

Bullfinch diet and food

The diet of the Bullfinch is almost entirely made up of seeds, buds and shoots, though some insects are also taken but mainly fed to their young in the nest and when they first fledge. Bullfinches readily switch what they feed on depending on the season, with a good example being that they will feast on on Dandelions as soon as they go to seed – which is interesting to observe as the Bullfinch will firstly land on the plant’s stem with the bird’s weight then bringing the Dandelion seed clock to the ground and therefore making it easier to feed on.

Bullfinches will occasionally feed on seeds put out for them in gardens and may even come onto hanging seed feeders, but their shy behaviour means this is a very rare treat to observe. It also seems to be the case that even when Bullfinches visit gardens and there are other species of finch feeding on seed which has been put out for them, Bullfinches will still usually opt to feed on seed heads of plants closeby – and despite this being the less easy option.

Frequently Asked Questions

What attracts Bullfinches to your garden?

This will depend on the time of year, with blossom buds on fruit trees being a major attractant for Bullfinches which they quickly eat – this aspect not always making them a popular garden visitor. Another favourite food is dandelion seeds, and once the yellow flower has gone and is replaced with the distinctive dandelion clock (the name given to the ball of downy seed heads) Bullfinches will often arrive to eat the seeds. Occasionally Bullfinches can be attracted to bird feeders filled with black sunflower seeds or sunflower hearts, but this isn’t a common occurrence.

What do Bullfinches eat in the garden?

The unopened flower buds of fruit trees (also some leaf buds), plus seeds from flowers such as dandelion. Very occasionally Bullfinches will join other birds on seed feeders and even on bird tables.

Is a Bullfinch a ground feeder?

Bullfinches do feed on the ground but also in trees and shrubs – it just depends where the food is.

Is a Bullfinch a songbird?

Yes, Bullfinches are classed as a songbird.

Where did the name Bullfinch come from?

Bullfinches were named as such because of their front-heavy and ‘bull-headed’ looks – which is more apparent on the male bird compared to the female.

Are Bullfinches rare in the UK

The Bullfinch population in the UK is thinly distributed, so nowhere could the species be called common. However, it is more likely to be seen in lowland woodland habitats, orchards and gardens where there are a good number of fruit trees. Outside of these habitats the Bullfinch could be described as rare.