Bullfinch Diet and Size: Feeding Habits, Predators, and Measurements

The Bullfinch is a relatively common bird found all across the UK. With the familiar red breast and black cap of the male along with their short black bill, black and white wings, grey back and white rump, the male Bullfinch is easily recognised. Females and juveniles lack the red breast and have a more greyish-brown colour.

Bullfinches are robust members of the finch family and favour woodlands with conifer trees. In this article we’ll take a close look at the dietary habits, breeding habits and size and weight of these fascinating birds. As well as their conservation status and the threats they face in their daily lives. Keep reading to find out more.

The Dietary Habits Of The Bullfinch

Bullfinches are opportunistic feeders and can often be seen flying through trees and bushes in search of food. They also have a unique sac at the base of their mouth for storing food. This is a unique feature which is not found in any other finches.

What Does A Bullfinch Eat?

The diet of the Bullfinch changes with the season allowing them to adapt to whatever foods are available at that time. In spring and summertime Bullfinches eat buds from trees and shrubs as well as insects like aphids and caterpillars.

During the autumn and winter months their diet tends to consist mainly of plant based foods. They will eat seeds from various plants including nettles, dandelions and birch trees. They also eat berries mainly from hawthorn, rowan and other berry producing trees and bushes.

As food sources become scarce during late winter, Bullfinches are more likely to frequent bird feeders and will consume sunflower seeds and other small seeds.

What To Feed A Baby Bullfinch? 

Adult Bullfinches feed their chicks a diet consisting of insects and other small invertebrates which enable the chicks to develop at a fast rate. These high protein foods such as caterpillars, aphids and other soft bodied insects support the rapid growth of the chicks in their early stages.

 As the chicks grow and develop, their parents feed them a mixture of seeds and tree buds. This introduces them to their staple adult diet.

Breeding Habits Of Bullfinches

Once they reach the age of sexual maturity (around 1 year of age), Bullfinches find a mate. The male will display his bright red breast and black cap in order to attract a female.

He then starts singing with a soft repetitive tone which is more subdued than his normal call. He will also offer the female small items of food which shows his ability to provide for her and her offspring.

Once the pair has joined, the female is responsible for nest building while the male defends their territory and brings her nest building materials.

Do Bullfinches Mate For Life?

Bullfinches form strong monogamous pairs and often stay together for many breeding seasons. However, if the pair fail to raise any broods at all, or one partner dies, the remaining bird will find a new breeding partner for subsequent years.

The Size & Weight Of Bullfinches

Bullfinches are medium sized, plump finches and apart from the differences in colouration, there is no difference in size between males and females.

How Much Does A Bullfinch Weigh?

An average adult Bullfinch weighs anywhere between 21 to 27 grams. Their weight changes through the seasons with egg bearing females often weighing more.

How Big Is A Bullfinch?

Bullfinches are around 14.5 to 16.5 cm long with an average wingspan of around 22 to 26 cm. Their wingspan and body size are ideally suited for their agile flights through trees and bushes in search of food.

Are Bullfinches Under Threat?

Generally, Bullfinches are not considered to be a threatened species and are classified as a species of least concern according to the IUCN. However, they do face certain local challenges which is reflected in the UK where they are currently listed as amber on the threatened species list.

Changes in habitat and farming practises have played a part in a 40% decline in Bullfinch numbers since 1970 in the UK. They were once considered as a pest especially in orchards due to their feeding habits of eating tree buds.

However, the actual impact of Bullfinches on agriculture is generally very small and nowadays they are protected by law in many countries.

What Eats A Bullfinch?

Due to their small size, Bullfinches are vulnerable to predation from various birds of prey including Sparrowhawks and other hawks. These birds of prey are often found hunting in areas which Bullfinches inhabit like woodlands and parklands.

Eggs and chicks are more vulnerable and are often preyed upon by Magpies, Crows and Jays as well as other corvids. Other threats to eggs and chicks include cats, snakes, weasels, stoats, rats and other small mammals.

Where Can I See Bullfinches In The UK?

Bullfinches can be seen all across the UK but are more common in areas which contain woodlands. Particularly woodlands with dense shrubs and undergrowth.

They prefer young trees and plants that produce berries for food and cover. They can also be found in mature woodlands and can be found in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. As well as hedgerows and the edges of fields in farmland.

In towns, they can be found in public gardens and parks and when the weather turns and food sources are more scarce, they can often be seen on garden bird feeders.

Bullfinches are often heard and not seen because of their secretive nature. Listen for that distinctive “peu” call but don’t expect to see Bullfinches as they are not really sociable birds and can often only be seen alone, in pairs or with their family group.

SEE ALSO: Crossbill Vs Scottish Crossbill: Key Differences Explained

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