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Linnet

Linaria cannabina

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Farmland finch with rosy-red breast in summer males.

Species Profile

Red List (UK Birds of Conservation Concern)

Lifespan: 7–9 years in the wild
Size & Weight: 12–13 cm, wingspan 21–25 cm; 12–16 g
Habitat: Open grassland, heathland, farmland margins, and weedy areas with scattered scrub and thistles.
UK Distribution: Widespread throughout the UK, particularly in southern and central England, Wales, and southern Scotland. Resident year-round, with some continental birds joining populations in winter.
Diet: Seeds from thistles, teasels, dandelions, and other wild plants; also feeds on cultivated seeds including linseed and hemp.
Predators: Sparrowhawks, merlin, and occasionally kestrels; corvids and magpies may take eggs and chicks.
Mating Season: May to August
Breeding: Clutch of 4–6 pale blue eggs; incubation period 10–11 days; fledging at 13–14 days. Usually two broods per season, sometimes three.
Behaviour: Highly gregarious, especially in winter, forming large flocks that feed and roost together. Males have striking red faces and breasts during breeding season. They are acrobatic fliers with a distinctive bouncing flight pattern and melodious, twittering song.

Did You Know?

•The Linnet's scientific name, Linaria cannabina, refers to its historical association with hemp and linseed crops.
•Males acquire their bright red plumage only during the breeding season; winter plumage is much duller.
•Linnets are highly social and winter flocks can contain hundreds of birds mixed with goldfinches and other finches.
•The UK population has declined by over 50% since the 1990s, primarily due to agricultural intensification reducing seed-bearing plants.
•They have a distinctive, liquid song often delivered from the top of low bushes or in flight during display.

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