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Three twite perch on a wire fence. They're in winter plumage, with bright yellow beaks

Twite © Pete Richman

Twite

Scientific name

Linaria flavirostris
This small finch nests on moorlands and coastal crofts, spending the winter on the coast. The UK population has declined dramatically.

Species information

Statistics

Length: 14cm
Wingspan: 23cm
Weight: 16g

Conservation status

Classified in the UK as Red under the Birds of Conservation Concern 5: the Red List for Birds (2021).

When to see

All year

About

Twite are small finches that feed on seeds. They nest on moorland, but in Northern Ireland and Scotland will also use coastal sites, where they favour crofts. They need cover in which to build their nest, as well as plenty of wildflowers to provide the seeds they eat and feed to their young. The UK's twite population has declined dramatically in recent decades, particularly in England where they're on the brink of extinction as a breeding bird. In winter, numbers are boosted by migrants from continental Europe. Twite often spend the winter on coastal saltmarshes, where they form flocks and sometimes join groups of linnets.

How to identify

Twite are small finches, about the size and shape of a linnet. They have a very short, stubby beak. They're brown on the back with darker streaking, and paler buff-white on the belly with more streaking on the breast and flanks. In summer their beak is grey, but it turns yellow for the winter. Their face and upper breast also become a richer orange-brown in winter. Males can be identified by their pink rump.

Distribution

In summer found in small numbers in the uplands of England and Wales, and coastal Northern Ireland. More widespread in Scotland, particularly on coastal crofts in the north and west. In winter found on coastal marshes, with flocks often visiting the east coast of England.

Habitats

Did you know?

The twite's name comes from its distinctive call, a nasal, rising 'twi-eet'. They're also sometimes known as the linnet of the north.