help please! is this a twite?

[andy11]

i took this photo on 28th jan near salt marshes and was in a flock of 5 or 6 i
would like to know what it is!

[htcdude]

I'm not too good with these usually, but this does look quite Twite like to me.

Nige

[andy11]

thats what i think! its markings and beak differ from the linnet
thanks

[Deb London]

Linnet for me.

[htcdude]

Oi you don't spoil our superior knowledge by telling us we're wrong!

[Wild-Woman]

Female Linnet for me.

[RoyW]

Yes it's a female Linnet.

Among other distinguishing features Twite have a yellow bill in the winter + the face is almost always distinctively orange.

[Dogghound]

I agree linnet. Additionally the streaking on the breast is diffuse and not very strong. Twite tend to have more defined streaking. This is over a lighter brown breast than in linnet.

The further into spring we get the bills tend to become darker in twite, compared to bright yellow in autumn.

[RoyW]

Originally Posted by Dogghound

The further into spring we get the bills tend to become darker in twite, compared to bright yellow in autumn.

Yes, they gradually lose the bright yellow bill, and have grey bills during the breeding season. At this time of year they should (at the very least) have yellowish bills though!

[andy11]

thanks for the comments. i was not sure but a female linnet it is then!!