The plumage pattern is similar to that of the Eurasian bullfinch, though colouration is more sombre, lacking its bright pink underparts.

[7] The Azores bullfinch is now largely restricted to a small area (c. 580 hectares [1,400 acres])[10]) of native laurisilva forest at the eastern end of São Miguel, 300–800 m (980–2,620 ft) asl (above sea level), mainly centred on Pico da Vara in the Serra da Tronqueira range, but also seasonally (September to December) around Salto do Cavalo, further westwards in the range.

The process of species decline, which a significant portion of other endemic Azorean flora is also suffering, is favored by the expansion of invasive alien plants.

Projects dedicated to saving the Azores bullfinch include the restoration of original laurel forest habitat in the eastern monteverde of São Miguel.

Native vegetation is preferred although, when the range was more extensive in the 19th century, the species was considered to be a pest in orange orchards around Furnas.

This evergreen shrub or small tree, once believed to be endemic to Madeira, but now known to have existed in the past on the Canary Islands (where it is considered extinct), raises questions about how it should be treated in the Azores.