
The Common Linnet (Linaria cannabina) is a small finch-like bird known for its preference for hemp and flax seeds, which inspired its name. It has a slim body with a long tail, brown upperparts, a white throat, and a grey bill. Males have a red head-patch and breast during summer, while females and young birds are streaked buff with white underparts.
Breeding mainly occurs in Europe, the western Palearctic, and North Africa. While some linnets are resident, many migrate south during breeding season. They prefer open land with bushes for nesting, laying four to seven eggs. Outside of breeding season, they form large flocks, sometimes with other finches.
Their diet consists mainly of seeds from various plants and includes some invertebrates, and they are known for their pleasant song, which consists of fast trills and twitters.