Bullfinch
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Bullfinch
Bird
The bullfinch is a plump, colourful finch, the male glowing rosy-pink beneath a neat black cap. Quiet and rather shy, it feeds on buds, seeds and berries, often seen in gentle pairs among hedgerows.
💡 Fun Facts
- The male bullfinch has a rosy-pink chest so bright it looks almost painted on.
- Bullfinches are shy birds that often travel in pairs, keeping in touch with a soft, piping whistle.
- They have a special pouch under their tongue for carrying food — and a great fondness for the buds of fruit trees in spring.
📅 Through the Year
- Breeding:April to August
Name Story
Pyrrhula pyrrhula
means “the fiery-red one”
What does its name mean?
- Pyrrhula — fiery-redGreek pyrrhos ‘flame-coloured, fiery-red’
- pyrrhula — fiery-red (said again!)Greek pyrrhos ‘flame-coloured, fiery-red’
The name says ‘fiery-red’ twice over, as if to make quite sure you notice — and it fits, because the male’s breast is a glowing rose-red.