Inner London Linnets?

[loripo]

Twice in the last couple of weeks I have seen /heard small birds that I wasn't sure of. Each time the bird was perched on a TV aerial, so a bit far to get detail except to say smaller than a blackbird, long tailed. Singing a very melodic complicated song. I tried video, but in Chelsea near the KIngs Road there was too much traffic noise, and I did get a little of the Battersea one. But can't find a long enough sound clip to compare it to. There were a pair in Chelsea and just the one 'round the corner' which flew off with a dipping flight making small calls as it went. I have checked and all the records I see are for outer London. Would there be suitable habitats in Inner London ie the parks and commons?
The song reminded me of those Victorian musical boxes with mechanical birds and I believe they were made to imitate linnets.

[Deb London]

Lots and lots of Goldfinch here. Have you eliminated those lori?

[aeshna5]

Linnets do occur occasionally in inner London where there is sufficient waste ground with lots of suitable "weeds" such as near Battersea Power Station, but generally Goldfinches as Deb suggested might be more likely singing on an aerial; they are pretty common round me though I live further out in the 'burbs.

[loripo]

WE do get goldfinch round here, but I usually see them in flocks or singly and too busy to sing - on bird feeders. I really need to carry my bins wih me!