Linnet by Jordon Elliot 1/10
Linnet by Elizabeth Dack 2/10
Linnets in treetop by Elizabeth Dack 3/10
Linnet by Elizabeth Dack 4/10
Linnet by Liz Dack 5/10
Linnet singing by Elizabeth Dack 6/10
Linnet by Neville Yardy 7/10
Linnet gathering nesting material by Ray Jones 8/10
Linnet by Elizabeth Dack 9/10
Linnet by Paul Hackett 10/10

Linnet Carduelis cannabina

The linnet, with its forked tail and distinctive twittering flight call, is most likely to be seen near breckland. Particularly in areas such as NWT Weeting Heath NNR.

Conservation status

Linnet populations have declined nationally over recent years and although numbers now appear stable in Norfolk it is not now as common as it once was. This may be due to the increase in sowing winter crops rather than spring sown crops which reduces the amount of winter stubble fields and therefore the availability of their food source. Other factors could be the increased use of fertilisers and herbicides. Habitat destruction such as the grubbing up of heathland, the removal of hedgerows or severe hedgerow cutting restricts the available nesting habitat.

The linnet is on the RSPB’s ‘red’ species list of conservation importance and is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
 

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Details

Did you know?

During the winter months the UK linnet population is increased by passage migrants and winter visitors.

How to recognise
Where to see
When to see
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