Convervation status: Red

1 video

Latin name

Carduelis cannabina

Family

Finches (Fringillidae)

Overview

A small, slim finch, widely distributed, and once very popular as a cage bird because of its melodious song. Males are attractively marked with crimson foreheads and breasts, females much browner. It has an undulating flight, usually twittering as it flies and may be seen in large flocks during the winter.

Linnet numbers have dropped substantially over the past few decades, with the UK population estimated to have declined by 57 per cent between 1970 and 2008. Recent Breeding Bird Survey results suggest that while populations in England and Wales continue to decline, those in Scotland and Northern Ireland are currently increasing.

Where to see them

While widespread across the UK, there are concentrations along the east coast from Kent to Aberdeenshire but they are scarce in upland regions and north west Scotland. Look for it on commons, heathland, rough ground, farmland hedges, saltmarshes and in parks and gardens.

When to see them

All year round.

What they eat

Seeds and insects.

Estimated numbers

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Sound: Sander Bot, Xeno-canto

Print page

Linnet male

Linnet female

Similar birds

Lesser redpoll

Mealy redpoll

Twite