Linnet Linaria (prev. Carduelis) cannabina

The Linnet, also called Common Linnet, is native to Europe, western Asia and North Africa, with some birds migrating south in winter.

The cock (male) Linnet (above) has a cardinal red crown and breast in his summer breeding plumage.

The hen (female - above) is brown and streaky, both with grey-brown heads, white eye-liner and chin stripes and russet backs.

Shown eating thistle seeds but the common name comes from flax (linen) seeds and the Latin name from hemp (cannabis).

They are usually found in small flocks.