Linnet
Linaria cannabina
The Linnet is a common and widespread finch species in Britain, typically seen in open countryside, farmland, and coastal areas, particularly during the breeding season from April to July. It can be spotted in a variety of habitats, including heathlands, grasslands, and scrublands, often in small flocks.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Linnet in the field.
The Linnet's key identification features include its brownish-pink breast and face, greyish-brown back, and white patches on the wings, as well as its distinctive white stripe above the eye and reddish-brown crown. Its tail is also notable for being forked, with white outer feathers.
The Linnet is slightly smaller than a Sparrow, measuring around 12-13 cm in length, and is larger than a Goldfinch.
The male Linnet's plumage is characterized by its reddish-brown crown, breast, and face, with a greyish-brown back and wings, and white patches on the wings, with a distinctive white stripe above the eye. The male's plumage remains relatively consistent throughout the year, with some variation in the intensity of the colours.
The female Linnet's plumage is similar to the male's, but with duller and more subdued colours, lacking the intense reddish-brown hue of the male, and with a more streaked breast and face.
The Linnet's call is a sharp, metallic "tink" or "teck" sound, while its song is a melodic, warbling phrase that sounds like a series of descending whistles.
Linnets are social birds that often forage in small flocks, feeding on seeds, particularly those of hemp, flax, and other weeds, as well as insects and spiders, and can be seen flying in a swift, direct manner, often with a dipping or undulating motion.
The Linnet can be confused with the Twite, but can be distinguished by its reddish-brown crown and breast, and white patches on the wings, as well as its more forked tail and distinctive white stripe above the eye.
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