Twite

1 week ago

Points: 50

Spotted

The Twite is a small, streaky brown finch of open, often coastal or upland habitats, closely related to the Linnet. It is distinguished by its lack of red plumage and often a yellow bill, especially in winter.

Where to spot

Breeds in northern and western Europe, and across central Asia, in open moorlands, mountains, and coastal areas. Winters mainly in coastal and lowland agricultural areas, often forming flocks.

How to spot

Look for its streaky brown plumage and the absence of any red. In winter, a yellow bill (often darker in summer) is a good ID feature. The most reliable identification is often by its distinctive, often repeated 'twit-twit-twitt' call, which gives it its name.

When to spot

Best observed during the breeding season in its specific upland/coastal habitats. In winter, they often descend to more accessible lowlands and coasts, forming flocks that are easier to spot.

Where to spot

Breeds in northern and western Europe, and across central Asia, in open moorlands, mountains, and coastal areas. Winters mainly in coastal and lowland agricultural areas, often forming flocks.

How to spot

When to spot

Best observed during the breeding season in its specific upland/coastal habitats. In winter, they often descend to more accessible lowlands and coasts, forming flocks that are easier to spot.

Credits: Door MPF - Eigen werk, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1857779

Twites are one of the few finches that prefer to breed in treeless, open habitats such as moorlands, coastal marshes, and mountain slopes, rather than woodlands or cultivated areas.

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