The European bullfinch is a strikingly coloured bird with a mix of brown, black, and yellow on the body and wings. Males and females have similar facial markings, featuring a red face and a black and white head. The male can be recognized by a larger and slightly darker red mask. Young birds lack the red facial markings but are still recognizable by the iconic yellow wing stripe. The bullfinch is native to Europe, North Africa, and Central and Western Asia, and has also been successfully introduced to North America, Australia, and New Zealand.
• Due to its Christian symbolism, the goldfinch was often depicted in Italian Renaissance paintings of the Madonna and Child. • Because of its beautiful plumage and pleasant song, they were often kept as aviary birds in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Characteristics • Length: 12-13 cm • Wingspan: 21-25 cm • Habitat: Agricultural land, forest edges, parks, and gardens • Diet: Seeds of thistles, teasels, and other similar plants. Seeds of alder and birch trees and various insects.