Linnet  (Carduelis cannabina)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Range

The linnet is common and widespread throughout the UK countryside, but there was a 56% reduction in numbers between 1968 and 1991 (3). The species is widespread and common throughout much of Europe. Most of the UK linnet population is resident (they stay in the UK all year round), but some migrate to Spain and western France for the winter, and breeding birds from northern Europe spend the winter in the UK with the resident birds (2).

You can view distribution information for this species at the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.

Habitat

The linnet is associated with lowland farmland and uses weedy fields, hedgerows, heathland, scrub and gorse thickets. It may also inhabit orchards, heathland, saltmarshes, gardens and parks (2).

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