Have you seen a Linnet in your garden

This week I am delighted to share with you a species that was sent in by a member of the public for identification. When I first viewed the picture, I unsure myself of the identification, but I asked a colleague who is involved in the countryside bird survey and the bird was identified as a linnet (Gleoiseach as Gaeilge).

To be honest, I was not that familiar with this bird species and took this opportunity to learn more.
According to Birdwatch Ireland, this is a bird that is resident all year round in Ireland and they are a member of the finch family.

While there are over 240 species of finch around the world to be included in the finch family, they all must have similar physical characteristics. Some characteristics include that they're all relatively small, they tend to have round heads, with triangular-shaped bills, and either rounded or slightly elongated bodies.

Their tails are forked or notched and their wings are noticeably pointed. Their colours do change between species, in this case the male linnet have brown backs, grey head and a pink forehead and chest.

The females are paler, streaky and lack pink patches. This description of the linnet from BirdWatch Ireland allows me to suggest that the member of the public that sent me the image photographed a male linnet due to patch of pink on the front of the bird.

Linnets are typically found in heathland, scrub and farmland, both in Ireland and the UK their numbers have declined a similar pattern to many wild species.

Linnets feed on a diet of seeds, grains, buds and some insects. BirdWatch Ireland also share that the linnet is increasingly noted species visiting bird feeding stations in suburban areas which would be outside of its typical habitat.
Potentially this change in feeding behaviour is due to less food availability and they are taking advantage of the supply provided by us in our gardens. Will you observe a linnet in your community this week?

If you would like help identifying a wildlife observation in your community you can contact me on bogs@ipcc.ie.

- Nuala Madigan at the Bog of Allen Nature Centre, Lullymore