>> GENERAL >>>>>
– small passerine, slightly smaller than House Sparrow
– diurnal migrant
– migrates in small to large, rather dense flocks
– very vocal
>> VISUAL ID >>>>>
Twite Linaria f. flavirostris
BIF2039, 04/02/2017, Cuxhaven, Germany, Roland Neumann
– rather small and compact finch
– medium-length tail (slightly longer than Common Redpoll)
– bill weaker (and yellow in winter) giving a ‘cute’ face expression
Twite Linaria f. flavirostris
BIF2214, 22/10/2010, Fehmarn, Germany, Martin Grimm
compared to Common Linnet:
– broader off-white greater coverts wingbar
– upperside streaked brown (not reddish-brown)
– white primary panel often less prominent
Twite Linaria f. flavirostris
Common Linnet Linaria c. cannabina (e.g. 3rd from left)
BIF2212, 22/10/2010, Fehmarn, Germany, Martin Grimm
compared to Common Linnet:
– very similar jizz but largely white belly and flanks
– flanks of Common Linnet buffish
– bill weaker (and yellow in winter)
Twite Linaria f. flavirostris
Common Linnet Linaria c. cannabina (right and 4th from left)
BIF2213, 22/10/2010, Fehmarn, Germany, Martin Grimm
– Eurasian Twite with yellow-brown upper breast and upper flanks, chin and central throat unstreaked
– Common Linnet with white wedge on upper belly and stronger patterned face
Twite Linaria f. flavirostris
Common Linnet Linaria c. cannabina
European Greenfinch Chloris c. chloris
BIF2211, 22/10/2010, Fehmarn, Germany, Martin Grimm
– mixed flock, both Linaria species clearly smaller than the accompanying European Greenfinch
Twite Linaria f. flavirostris
BIF2042, 14/03/2014, Havelland, Germany, Mathias Putze
– deeper forked tail than Common Linnet
– head and upper breast appear dark against the light
Twite Linaria f. flavirostris
BIF2040, 04/02/2017, Cuxhaven, Germany, Roland Neumann
Twite Linaria f. flavirostris
BIF2041, 04/02/2017, Cuxhaven, Germany, Roland Neumann
– note pale wingbar visible even at greater distance, wings often folded due to strong undulating flight
– often features not easy to observe therefore best determined by voice
>> ACOUSTIC ID >>>>>
– very vocal
– in flight usually fast series of complex polyphonic elements (song like impression)
– similar to Common Linnet
– easiest recognisable is a polyphonic, fast and narrow modulated upslur, similar to Eurasian Siskin
or Common Redpoll, but with a somewhat electronic timbre (‘flanger’ effect)
Twite Linaria f. flavirostris, calls in flight
European Herring Gull Larus argentatus
BIF2045, 26/12/2014, Gollwitz, Germany, Patrick Franke
Twite Linaria flavirostris korejevi, calls in flight
BIF2043, 30/04/2011, unknown steppe lake, Eastern Kazakhstan, Patrick Franke
Twite Linaria flavirostris korejevi, calls in flight
BIF2044, 30/04/2011, unknown steppe lake, Eastern Kazakhstan, Patrick Franke
>> COMPARISON SPECIES >>>>>
Common Linnet (v) (a)
Common Redpoll (v)
Brambling (a)
Eurasian Tree Sparrow (a)
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