Thursday, 10 April 2025

Unusual garden visit from a Linnet pair

10th April 2025 - a pair of Linnet dropped into Andy M's front garden, to feed on some grass seeds growing along the edge of the driveway. It seems possible this was a breeding pair, since although the plumage of the male was not particularly brightly coloured, as would normally be the case in Spring, the female collected a feather before they both flew off, maybe to line a nest? 

Whilst Linnet can fairly often be seen in farmland around the edges of the village, it was quite unusual to see a pair in the garden.

Linnet pair, female on the left

Male Linnet - grey head and chestnut-brown back, but the red patches normally present
on the forehead and breast of breeding males seemed quite muted in this individual.


Female Linnet - generally duller coloured than the male and lacking any red,
with a paler more streaked appearance on the back and breast.

Female collecting a feather - maybe to line a nest?

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