Also bulfinch. [f. BULL sb.1 + FINCH. The reason for the name is uncertain: some have suggested that it was given on account of the thickness of the bird’s neck.]
One of a genus of birds (Pyrrhula), allied to the Grosbeaks, having handsome plumage and a short, hard, rounded beak; well known for its aptness to be trained as a singing bird.
1570. Levins, Manip., 134/4. A Bulfinche, bird, ribicilla.
1609. N. F., Fruiterers Secrets, 2. A Bulfinch will eate [cherries] stones and all.
1655. Moufet & Bennet, Health’s Improv. (1746), 188. Bulfinches feed … upon Hemp-seed, and the Blossoms of Pear, plum, and Apple-trees.
1789. G. White, Selborne, xxxix. (1853), 134. Bullfinches when fed on hempseed often become wholly black.
1835. Marryat, Olla Podr., xiv. The piping bullfinch … must have a good memory.
1847. Gard. Chron., 118. The bill of the bulfinch is a most suspicious-looking instrument.
b. Comb., as bullfinch plover, bullfinch-trainer.
1864. Atkinson, Provinc. names Birds, Bullfinch Plover, Prov. name for Turnstone, Strepsilas interpres.
1857. Mayhew, Lond. Labour, II. 59. This tuition among professional bullfinch-trainers, is systematic.
