Linnet
Linaria cannabina
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Linnet is a small finch with a slender build and forked tail. Males in breeding plumage display a striking crimson forehead and breast, contrasting with their grey-brown upperparts and whitish underparts. The wings feature a distinctive white edge.
Females and non-breeding males lack red colouration and instead show heavily streaked brown plumage on their backs and flanks. Both sexes have grey bills and pinkish-brown legs.
Juvenile birds are similar to adult females but more streaked and with an overall duller appearance.
Size
Length
13cm to 14cm
Wingspan
21cm to 25cm
Weight
15g to 20g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Linnets inhabit open countryside, preferring areas with low vegetation and scattered bushes or trees. They are found across Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, with some populations extending into Central Asia.
In the UK, Linnets are widespread breeding birds found in coastal areas, heathlands, and farmland edges. During winter, some UK birds migrate south, while others arrive from northern Europe to overwinter.
Elevation Range
Up to 2,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Linnet. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
This feature is in beta. We'd love your feedback to improve it!
Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Linnet displays considerable agility with its bouncy, undulating flight pattern and ability to perch on exposed branches and wires. Its small size and forked tail contribute to manoeuvrability, allowing it to navigate through vegetation and perform display flights during breeding season.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a small finch weighing only 15-20 grams, the Linnet's strength is limited. However, its specialised bill allows for efficient seed husking, indicating some localised strength in its beak and neck muscles.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Linnets show good adaptability, inhabiting various open habitats up to 2,000 metres elevation. Their ability to exploit a wide range of plant species for seeds and adjust their diet seasonally demonstrates flexibility. Their partial migratory behaviour also suggests adaptability to changing conditions.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Linnets are generally not aggressive birds. Their social nature, often seen in flocks outside breeding season, suggests a relatively peaceful disposition. However, males may display some territorial behaviour during breeding, hence the low-moderate score.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
While not known for exceptional endurance, Linnets demonstrate moderate stamina. Their ability to undertake partial migrations, forage efficiently on the ground, and maintain active breeding behaviours over an extended season (April to August) indicates a reasonable level of endurance for their size.
Diet
Linnets are primarily seed-eaters, favouring small seeds from plants such as dandelions, thistles, and chickweed. They also consume buds and shoots in spring.
Their specialised bill is adapted for efficiently husking seeds, allowing them to exploit a wide range of plant species throughout the year.
Behaviour
Linnets are social birds, often seen in flocks outside the breeding season. They have a bouncy, undulating flight pattern and frequently perch on exposed branches or wires.
During foraging, they hop and shuffle along the ground, efficiently picking seeds from low-growing plants.
Vocalisation
The Linnet's song is a pleasant, rapid warbling with trilling notes, often delivered in flight or from a high perch. Their call is a distinctive, bouncing 'twittwitt' or 'tit-it-it'. During the breeding season, males sing more frequently, producing a more elaborate and melodious tune.
Rapid trilling calls can be heard in flight or near the nest site during breeding, which have a distinctive ‘tetter-tett’ sound.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Linnets typically begins in April and can last until August. Males perform display flights and sing to attract mates, often from prominent perches.
Nests are built low in dense bushes or hedgerows, usually by the female. The nest is a neat cup made of grass, moss, and roots, lined with hair and feathers. Females lay 4-6 pale blue eggs with reddish-brown speckles.
Incubation lasts about 12-14 days, carried out solely by the female. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after 11-13 days but remain dependent on their parents for another two weeks.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While listed as Least Concern globally, Linnet populations have declined in parts of Europe, including the UK. This decline is largely attributed to changes in farming practices reducing seed availability.
Conservation efforts focus on maintaining diverse habitats and promoting wildlife-friendly farming techniques.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Linnets in open countryside with scattered bushes and hedgerows
- Listen for their distinctive twittering calls and melodious song
- Observe flocking behaviour in autumn and winter
- In the UK, visit coastal areas and farmland edges for better chances of spotting
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Did You Know?
- The Linnet's scientific name, 'cannabina', refers to its fondness for hemp seeds.
- In Victorian Britain, Linnets were popular cage birds due to their melodious song.
- Male Linnets can lose their red plumage if their diet lacks certain pigments.
Similar Birds
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Linaria cannabina. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22720441A132139778.
View source - 3
report, 2015: EBCC
Share Your Feedback
We value your opinion! Let us know what you think about this bird page.