LINNET

Order: Passeriformes
Family: Fringillidae
Genus: Carduelis
Species: cannabina
Subspecies: guentheri

Description
With a grey bill and brownish body, in summer the male has a reddish breast and head, thus distinguishing it from the female which has a light brown head and a darker brown streaked back. In winter, the male’s colouring gets somewhat duller with the red on the breast and head being less obvious. In flight, the wings are black with white stripes at the sides. The tail is relatively long for this type of bird.

Distribution
This bird is scarce, being found on the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo. In winter they are seen at low altitudes whereas in summer they can be found higher up.

Habitat
As they feed on the ground on seeds and insects, Linnets are generally to be found in open areas with low vegetation, preferring grasses and bushes, in agricultural zones and also in gardens and settled areas.

Breeding
These birds nest between April and July in bushes of low to medium height; sometimes more than one nest can be found in the same bush. It is believed that on Porto Santo the nesting season starts earlier, in February. Linnets lay 2 to 3 clutches per year, each containing 4 to 6 eggs.

Madeiran name: Pintarroxo
Madeira and Porto Santo Islands resident breeder
Social: Flocks
Length: 12,5 – 14 cm
Status: Secure/Vulnerable