More photographs of the Common Linnet at Hamble Point on Southampton Water.

Once popular as a caged bird because of its song and markings. Today this bird is on the “Red List” due to conservation concerns. They are a small slim finch. Males are attractively marked with crimson foreheads and breasts, females much browner. It has an undulating flight, usually twittering as they fly. They can be seen in large flocks during the winter.

Length: 14cm
Wingspan: 24cm
Weight: 19g
Average lifespan: 2 years