Having trouble telling bullfinches from chaffinches? Want to learn the key bullfinch vs chaffinch differences? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
Identifying bullfinch vs. chaffinch can be tricky for new birdwatchers. But with practice, telling these birds apart is a skill any birdwatcher can master.
In this article, we’ll look at the main bullfinch vs. chaffinch differences. Whether you spot them in your garden or during a birdwatching trip, our article will help you identify them. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Physical appearance differences
Bullfinch and chaffinch have several key differences in their appearance. Both males and females show distinct body and head colors, as well as beak shapes. Let’s look at these differences to help you identify them in the field.
Male bullfinch vs. chaffinch
Males of both species look quite different once you know what to look for. Let’s look at their main differences:
Breast color: The male bullfinch carries a bright orange-pink or salmon-colored breast. In comparison, the male chaffinch displays a more subtle reddish-brown or red brick-colored breast.
Back color: The male bullfinch has a blue-grey or slate-grey back, while the male chaffinch shows a reddish-brown back.
Head features: The male bullfinch has a distinctive black cap and face, making its head look completely dark. The male chaffinch, however, shows a blue-grey head with reddish-brown cheeks.
Beak shape: You’ll notice the male bullfinch has a short, thick beak that looks quite stubby. The male chaffinch, on the other hand, has a conical, pointed beak.
Wing pattern: The male bullfinch sports a pale or light gray wing bar. Meanwhile, the male chaffinch is more decorated, showing two white wing bars and white patches.
Tail features: Male bullfinches have a black tail. Male chaffinches, on the other hand, show a pattern of black and white on their tail feathers.
Female bullfinch vs. chaffinch
Female bullfinches and chaffinches share some similar brown colors. But they have clear differences that make them easy to tell apart.
Breast color: A female bullfinch and chaffinch both have brownish breasts. But, the female bullfinch’s chest leans towards a warm buff-brown, while the female chaffinch’s can have a slightly greenish tint.
Back color: The female bullfinch typically has a grey-brown back. Meanwhile, the female chaffinch often displays an olive-brown upperside.
Head features: The female bullfinch has the same distinctive black cap as the male. The female chaffinch lacks her male’s reddish-brown face. Instead, she shows an olive-brown face that matches her body.
Beak shape: The female bullfinch has the same short, stubby beak as the male. The female chaffinch keeps her species’ conical, pointed beak.
Wing pattern: Just like her male counterpart, the female bullfinch has a pale wing bar. In comparison, the female chaffinch has two white wing bars.
Tail features: As with the males, female bullfinches have a black tail. Meanwhile, female chaffinches show a pattern of grey-brown and white on their tail feathers.
Calls and songs
Both bullfinches and chaffinches have distinct songs and calls that can help you identify them. Let’s take a look at their differences.
Song differences
Bullfinches have a soft, subdued song that is unobtrusive. The song is quite short and simple, and it sounds like a whistle of sorrow or longing.
Interestingly, bullfinches are skilled mimics. They can learn to whistle different tunes when trained.
Chaffinches, on the other hand, sing a loud, clear song that starts with quick notes and ends with a flourishing trill. Their song is longer and more complex than the bullfinch’s.
You’ll most often hear chaffinches’ song in spring and early summer during the breeding season. You can remember the chaffinch song as “chip chip chip chooee chooee chooee.”
Call differences
Bullfinches make a soft, low-pitched “peu” call that sounds sad or plaintive. They use this call to keep in touch with their mates or other bullfinches.
Chaffinches have a loud “chink” or “fink” call that’s quite sharp and clear. The term “finch” in their name comes from their distinctive call.
You’re more likely to hear both species make these calls in autumn and winter when they’re moving around in search of food. Gardens, woodland edges, and hedgerows are the best places to listen for both species.
Behavioral differences
When comparing bullfinch vs. chaffinch, you’ll notice clear differences in how they behave. This is especially true in their feeding habits and social behavior. These differences can also help you tell them apart in your garden or in the wild.
Feeding behavior
Bullfinches have a special liking for fruit tree buds. Their thick, strong beaks are perfect for picking off these buds. You’ll often spot them perched in trees or tall shrubs, carefully selecting buds to eat. They also eat seeds from plants like ash and elm, but they rarely feed on the ground.
Chaffinches, on the other hand, are much more likely to feed on the ground. They hop around under bird feeders and in gardens, picking up fallen seeds. You’ll often see them under trees and shrubs, searching for food. At feeders, they prefer smaller seeds and will happily eat from seed mixes.
Social behavior
Bullfinches are quite private birds. They usually stay in pairs, even outside the breeding season. Sometimes you might see small family groups, but they don’t form large flocks. They tend to be shy and will often fly away when noticed.
Chaffinches, in contrast, are more sociable birds. They may be in pairs during the breeding season, but they often gather in flocks during autumn and winter. These flocks can include both males and females, and sometimes they mix with other finch species. They’re also less shy than bullfinches and are more likely to stay visible when you spot them.
These differences in bullfinch vs. chaffinch behavior can be especially helpful for identification when you can’t clearly see the birds’ colors, such as in poor light or at a distance.
Closing remarks
The bullfinch vs. chaffinch comparison above shows that they differ in several ways. Their body and head colors, along with beak shapes, are different. Their songs, calls, and behaviors are also quite distinct.
Knowing these distinctions is an important first step in identifying the two finch species. But it takes practice to become familiar with their traits.
Keep watching and listening to these birds whenever you can. With time, your ability to tell them apart will improve, making identification easier.