Linnet
The Linnet is a small passerine bird in the finch family, Fringillidae. It derives its common name and scientific name, Linaria cannabina, from its fondness for hemp seeds and flax seeds. The genus name linaria is the Latin for a linen weaver derived from linum or flax. The species name cannabina comes from the Latin for hemp. There are 7 recognised sub-species including the Eurasian Linnet found in west, central and north Europe and the Scottish Linnet.
The Linnet is a slim bird with a long tail. The upper parts are brown, the throat is white and the bill is grey. The summer male has a grey nape, crimson head patch and crimson breast. Females and juveniles lack the crimson colour and have white underparts and a buff streaked breast.
The Linnet breeds in Europe and north Africa. It is partially resident but many eastern and northern birds migrate farther south in the breeding range or move to the coasts. During the breeding season, it can be found on open land with thick bushes including farmland, commons, heathland and parks. It can form large flocks outside the breeding season on coasts and salt marshes, sometimes mixing with other finches such as Twite.
The Linnet feeds on the ground and low down in bushes and its food mainly consists of a wide variety of seeds but also a small number of invertebrates.
Date: 6th June 2023
Location: Rhosson campsite near St. David's Pembrokeshire
The Linnet is a slim bird with a long tail. The upper parts are brown, the throat is white and the bill is grey. The summer male has a grey nape, crimson head patch and crimson breast. Females and juveniles lack the crimson colour and have white underparts and a buff streaked breast.
The Linnet breeds in Europe and north Africa. It is partially resident but many eastern and northern birds migrate farther south in the breeding range or move to the coasts. During the breeding season, it can be found on open land with thick bushes including farmland, commons, heathland and parks. It can form large flocks outside the breeding season on coasts and salt marshes, sometimes mixing with other finches such as Twite.
The Linnet feeds on the ground and low down in bushes and its food mainly consists of a wide variety of seeds but also a small number of invertebrates.
Date: 6th June 2023
Location: Rhosson campsite near St. David's Pembrokeshire
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Also in: Finches
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