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Twite (Linaria flavirostris) — photo 1 of 5
© MPF CC BY 2.5

Finches · Perching birds

Twite

Linaria flavirostris

Voice

Song

Tim Vochten

0:15

How to recognize it

  • 13–13.5 cm, like a linnet

  • Brown with dark streaks above

  • Pale underparts; no red patch on the breast

  • Yellow bill in winter, grey in summer; call "twaa-it", fast trills

About the species

Outside the breeding season, Twites often gather in loose flocks, sometimes with other finches, especially along coasts and salt marshes. They feed mainly on small seeds, and their call is a sharp nasal “twaa-it” with fast trills and twitters.

They breed in northern Europe and across parts of Asia, using open grassland and low shrub cover. In winter, many move south or toward the coast, while some stay in place.

Most of the time they search for food on the ground, though they also take seeds from plants and occasionally insects. Their bill changes with the seasons — yellow in winter and grey in summer.

Where to find

  • Along canal banks and waterfront edges — especially where low scrub meets bare ground for seed feeding.

  • In seaside parks and by salt pools after the tide goes out — flocks often stay low, hop onto nearby bushes, then drop back to the ground.

  • On weedy vacant lots with sparse grass on the city fringe — look for short hops on the ground and a soft twittering call.

  • At muddy pond margins and reed-fringed backwaters — it forages on damp grass and low shrubs, especially where seed plants are thick.

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