Finding finches

You may encounter Common Linnet, Goldfinch and Greenfinch regularly this month.

DEPENDING on where you are located, you might have some small and interesting finches not too far away. Finches have suffered immensely from the tidying up of our countryside and the (understandable, though regrettable) intensification of farming.

Garden feeding has helped some, such as Goldfinch, but it might have harmed Greenfinch, which is prone to infectious disease.

Common Linnet, though, is not a garden bird and, for much of the year, nor is it especially a farmland one, although plenty do nest in rough hedgerows between open fields. However, it needs seeds produced by low-growing herbs, for which it really needs ‘waste’ or rough ground, perhaps on heaths, the edges of moors, or around coastal lagoons and estuaries.

Breeding pairs are worth seeking out, for the bright crimson forehead and breast of the males and a more than decent effort at a musical, enjoyable song, as well as a general bright and lively demeanour.

In the north, there may be Twites, but old populations in the Pennines, for example, have mostly long gone. The north and west highlands and islands of Scotland remain the most likely areas for this subtly beautiful little bird. Streaky brown and buff, the male with a hint of dark pink, it is a birder’s bird rather than an obvious candidate for a popular favourite, but enjoy it, if you can.

Male Common Linnet is a striking bird. The species’ numbers have dropped substantially over the past few decades, though it is still resident throughout much of the country. Look for on commons, heathland, rough ground and farmland hedges this month.