Wildlife
Linnets are widespread and common throughout much of Europe, often breeding in small colonies of up to 20 individuals. Nests are built in dense hedges or thorny trees, and the female lays 4-6 purple speckled eggs. Males help to feed the nestlings. Linnets are more dependent on wildflower seeds than other seed-eaters during the breeding season, since chicks are fed exclusively on seeds rather than insects. Linnets are partial to over 46 types of seeds, many of which are from the cabbage family.
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Niche separation
Finches share sites and food sources to avoid competition.
Finches share sites and food sources to avoid competition.
Curiosity kills
Skullduggery as chicks hatch at the linnet nest.
Skullduggery as chicks hatch at the linnet nest.
Species range provided by WWF's Wildfinder.
The Linnet can be found in a number of locations including: Asia, China, Europe, Mediterranean, Russia, United Kingdom, Wales. Find out more about these places and what else lives there.
The following habitats are found across the Linnet distribution range. Find out more about these environments, what it takes to live there and what else inhabits them.
Discover what these behaviours are and how different plants and animals use them.
Additional data source: Animal Diversity Web
Least Concern
Year assessed: 2009
Classified by: IUCN 3.1
The Linnet (Carduelis cannabina) is a small passerine bird in the finch family Fringillidae.
The Linnet 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.
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Farmland
Heathland
Hedgerows
Urban
Migration
Adapted to flying
Acoustic communication
Monogamous
Egg layer
Parental investment
Social
Sexual dimorphism
Visual communication