Bullfinches

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of small songbird known for its stout body and vibrant plumage, often featuring bright colors and a distinctive short beak
2. These birds are commonly associated with the finch family and are recognized for their melodious songs and social behavior
3. Bullfinches can be found in various habitats, often preferring woodlands and gardens where they feed on seeds and berries

Etymology: Bullfinches is simply the plural of "bullfinch", so the story is that of the singular. The bird's name is a plain compound of "bull" and "finch", with no borrowing or sound change behind it. "Finch" is the older, general name for these seed-eating songbirds, and "bull" was added to pick out the larger, stockier species with its thick, rounded head and short, powerful bill. The comparison is to the animal's build, not to any cattle-like behaviour.