Linnet

Adventure step • Meet the species

Overview

The Linnet is a small, charming finch belonging to the order Passeriformes and the family Fringillidae. This graceful bird is renowned for the breeding male's beautiful crimson-red breast feathers, while the female is more discreetly dressed in brown and grey tones with streaked patterns. The Linnet measures approximately 12.5-14.5 cm in length and weighs only 15-20 grams, making it one of the smaller finches in the Nordic region. With a wingspan of 21-25 cm, the bird is characterized by its short bill and relatively long tail. This small bird has a distinctive appearance with its brown head and pale supercilium. The male in breeding plumage is particularly striking with its carmine-red crown and breast, a color that fades during winter and is entirely absent in females and juveniles. The upperparts are chestnut-brown with dark streaks, while the underparts are whitish with brown-streaked flanks. In flight, prominent white wing bars and white outer tail feathers form a characteristic V-pattern. The Linnet is a singer with a melodious, twittering call often heard from bushes and trees during spring. The song consists of rapid, fluty notes mixed with scratchy sounds, delivered from an exposed perch or during short song flights. The bird is known for its acrobatic flight and can often be seen in small flocks moving across open landscapes in undulating movements. Ecologically, the Linnet plays an important role as a seed-eater and helps disperse various plant seeds. Unfortunately, the species has declined in numbers across much of Europe in recent decades, primarily due to changed agricultural practices and reduced availability of weed seeds. Despite this decline, the Linnet remains a common sight in many parts of the Nordic region during the summer months.