The Bullfinch is a shy bird, sometimes in small flocks, but more often a family group. They are quiet, and have a soft, almost sad call, and is generally not regarded as a song bird!
The male is unmistakable with his beautiful pink/red breast and cheeks, grey back, black cap and tail, and bright white rump. They feed voraciously of the buds of various trees in spring and were once a 'pest' of fruit crops, and if the Bullfinch is around it is a good reason to erect a net around your fruit bushes. in recent years declines in numbers have placed it on the Red List.
In the breeding season the Bullfinch is more of a woodland bird, and can be found in, Woodlands, orchard and hedgerows. Best looked for at woodland edges - usually located by its mournful call. But later in the year, around Autumn, they will venture forth to gardens and parks.
First clutches laid
mid May
Number in Britain
300,00
Conservation Status UK
RED
Status in UK
Resident Breeder, Scarce Visitor
Length
16 cm
Wingspan
26 cm
Weight
21 g
Habitat
Forest, woodland, farmland
First Record
14th Century
Egg Size
19x15mm
Egg Weight
2.1 g
Clutch Size
4 - 5 eggs
Incubation
14 - 16 days
Fledging
15 - 17 days
Number of Broods
2 or 3
Age at First Breeding
1 year
Typical Lifespan
2 years
Maximum Recorded Age
9 years, 2 months