What do wild Linnets eat?

[Deb London]

Can anyone tell me which seeds Linnets are partial to? I'm particularly interested in inland plants, not ones growing on the shore.

Thanks.

[htcdude]

This article might help a little?

Linnet diet report

Scrolling down a bit shows some tables of food stuff found to be consumed.

Nige

[Deb London]

Thanks Nige, that's useful.

What about September onwards? Does anyone know? Has anyone watched them feed from any particular plant(s)?

[htcdude]

I've seen decent sized flocks over Staines Moor the last 2 times I've been, the most recent being last Thursday. But I've no idea what it is they're eating from the bushes. I'll get some photos next time I'm there and let you know.

Nige

[Deb London]

That would be useful. Just looking for them and there is a lot of thistle and nettle. Heard what might have been a flock but could have been Goldies. Also heard what I think was a Bullfinch and may have seen a Peregrine, so not all bad.

Thanks dude.

[htcdude]

Sounds good! Was that local?


You mention Goldfinch, when I saw the flock of c50 on both days I went, it was a mixed flock of Linnet and Goldfinch. So you also may have had both species there.

Nige

[Deb London]

Ah, really? Ta for that. Didn't know they mixed.

Yes, North London. There have to be Linnets here. I feel it in my water (and I've read it, LOL).

[htcdude]

Haha yeah they'll be resident ones no doubt, and those passing through. Hope you find them soon!

Nige

[Wild-Woman]

Last week I had one lone linnet amongst a small flock of goldfinches on one of the garden feeders. That was a first for me as I've never seen one in the garden, let alone on the feeders. There is just the usual wildbird seed mix (RSPB) in the feeder, so I couldn't tell you what seed it was eating. Not had it back since unfortunately.

[Jonathan]

Originally Posted by Deb London

Can anyone tell me which seeds Linnets are partial to? I'm particularly interested in inland plants, not ones growing on the shore.

Thanks.

Adults feed on small seeds found on the ground or in low vegetation, particularly those of dandelion, but also chickweed, sorrel, thistles and meadow grass, and recently, oilseed rape.

I had up to sixty linnets (and a single twite for a few weeks in early spring!) coming in to a farmland feeding station I had a couple of years ago. I was feeding a mixture of a commercial wild bird seed, a little niger and mixed corn (chicken feed) to bulk it out and keep the grey partridge happy! I suspect the linnets were picking out the smaller seeds, if you could get a supplier of rape seed that would be cheaper than niger. Just scatter the seed on the ground, no need for fancy feeders.

Cheers
Jonathan