bullfinch

noun

bull·finch | \ ˈbu̇l-ˌfinch

also ˈbəl- \

Definition of bullfinch

: a European finch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula of the family Fringillidae) having in the male rosy-red underparts, blue-gray back, and black cap, chin, tail, and wings also : any of several other finches

Examples of bullfinch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Cuban bullfinches aren’t native to the U.S., so this bird could only have been illegally imported or bred from an illegally imported parent. — Karine Aigner, National Geographic, "Songbirds are being snatched from Miami’s forests," 25 July 2019 In 1949 Konrad Lorenz, an Austrian biologist, recommended fish, hamsters, bullfinches and starlings as excellent pets. — The Economist, "Pet-ownership is booming across the world," 22 June 2019 Two years later airport customs agents in Miami arrested a man with 16 bullfinches sewn into his pants. — Jenny Staletovich, miamiherald, "South Florida bird smuggling ring headed to court | Miami Herald," 13 Apr. 2018 Audet compared rural and urban bullfinches on the island and found the city birds had better cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills. — The Washington Post, The Denver Post, "Development is forcing some typically monogamous birds to “divorce” their mates," 30 Jan. 2017 In the experiments, 18 out of 42 bullfinches in the lab hauled up their preferred food—in this case, birdseed—on a string. — National Geographic, "Brainy Birds Know How to Reel in Food With String," 17 Aug. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bullfinch.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.