The brambling is similar in size and shape to a common chaffinch 16 cm in length and 23-29 grams in weight. Breeding-plumaged male bramblings are very distinctive, with a black head, dark upperparts, orange breast and white belly. Females and younger birds are less distinct, and more similar in appearance to some chaffinches.

It is widespread and migratory, often seen in very large flocks. Their natural diet is beech mast, seeds and berries, and insects in the summer.