Appearance
A medium-sized brownish finch. Resembles Redpoll but lacks red markings and black bib. Can be distinguished from the Linnet by yellowish beak and more pronounced streaking on back.
Size
Length 12.5–14 cm, weight 14–18 g.
Nest
On the ground or rocks, sometimes in a bush, well concealed. Made of plant material, lined with root fibres, feathers and hair.
Breeding
5–6 eggs laid April–May, incubated by female for 12–13 days. Young remain in nest for 15 days.
Distribution
Very scarce breeder on the open fells of Northern Finnish Lapland. Finnish breeding population estimated at 0–10 pairs. In Southern Finland most often seen in winter or late autumn.
Migration
Migrates by day. Flies south October–November, returning March–April. Winters around the North Sea, though some individuals may remain in Southern Finland.
Diet
Plant seeds.
Calls
A nasal chattering call. Song similar to song of Linnet, but simpler and fainter.
Endangerment
Critically endangered, protected in Finland. Globally Least concern.

Twites are generally yellowish brown in appearance with dark streaks on many parts of their plumage. They have yellowish beaks (compared to Linnets’ grey beaks) and paler yellowish throats with no markings. Their caps are brown and streaked. Males have pinkish rumps. Can be distinguished from Redpoll and Arctic Redpoll by absence of red patch on forehead and black bib. Twites have black legs and brown irises. Their beaks are yellow in the winter and yellowish grey with a black tip in the summer.

Vinterhämpling

Taxonomi

Klass

Ordning

Familj

Släkte

Art