European Linnet

The European Linnet (Carduelis cannabina) is a small passerine bird in the finch family Fringillidae. It derives its scientific name from its fondness for hemp and its English name from its liking for seeds of flax, from which linen is made. Identification: Slightly smaller than a sparrow, the linnet is an attractive finch, which was highly sought after as a cage bird in the 19th century for its pleasant melodious song. In summer plumage, the male Linnet has a powder-blue head, a red forehead and a rich reddish-brown back. In all other plumages though, the red disappears and the other colors are more subdued though still faintly discernible. Key features though are the white edges to some feathers which create white panels in the primaries and at the base of the tail. The only other bird to show this pattern is the Twite, but the Linnet also has a greyer head, patterned throat and dark bill. In flight, the Linnet shows a series of white lines along the primaries, again matched only by