The RSPB: Twite

Twite

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Latin name

Carduelis flavirostris

Family

Finches (Fringillidae)

Overview

The twite is a small, brown bird, similar in size to a linnet but with a longer tail and stubbier bill. Its back is tawny, heavily streaked with dark brown, its flanks have dark-brown streaks and its belly is white. In breeding plumage the male's rump is pink. It forms large flocks in winter when it spends most of the time feeding on the ground.

Where to see them

Breeds on the moorlands of the Scottish Highlands, northern England and N Wales. In winter some remain in N and W Scotland, near the coast, while others, including Continental birds, move to the coast of eastern England wher they can be found on saltmarshes and coastal fields.

When to see them

Breeding areas are occupied from April to September. Birds then move out of their upland range, going to more coastal areas, with Pennines breeders going to the east coast of England. They stay on the coast from October until March.

What they eat

Seeds

Estimated numbers

Europe	UK breeding*	UK wintering*	UK passage*
-	6,000-15,000 pairs	100,000-150,000 birds (incl Ireland)	-

* 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

Key

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

Find out more

Videos

Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100)