Why were Bullfinches historically viewed as pests, leading to legal culling in the 16th century?

Answer

They consumed the buds on commercial fruit trees like apple, cherry, and plum.

For centuries, Bullfinches were considered agricultural pests because they showed a strong preference for and consumed the nutritious flower buds of fruit trees, leading figures like King Henry VIII to legislate against them.

Why were Bullfinches historically viewed as pests, leading to legal culling in the 16th century?

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Things you need to know about the BULLFINCH! - YouTube

speciesbirdwildlifefeatherBullfinch