Taxonomy

Carduelis flavirostris | Twite | Gleoiseach sléibhe

Distribution

Status

Conservation status

This species is Red-listed according to Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland 2020-2026 and is of high conservation value as a result.

According to the last IUCN Red List assessment in 2016, the Twite is a species of ‘Least Concern’ on a global scale. A decreasing population trend has been noted however. 

Species Biology

Identification

The Twite is a species of finch that can be identified by its brown back with streaks of dark brown-black and whitish underparts.

The head lacks the streaking that covers the rest of the body and is a plain brown-grey colour.

The Twite may be confused with the female Linnet (another finch species) but has some subtle differences such as a shorter, wider bill (for feeding on seed) and a longer tail.

A characteristic feature of the Twite is a pinkish patch that can be seen on the rump of the male.

Standing at approximately 14 cm in length, the Twite has a wingspan of 22-24 cm and weighs 13-18 grams. 

Diet

The Twite feeds primarily on plant material such as seeds and grains but will sometimes feed on insect species (mostly the young).

Habitat

This species is associated with coastal sites.

Reproduction

From mid-May to early-July, the female lays a clutch of 5-6 eggs and incubates these eggs for a period of 13 days. The eggs weigh approximately 1.4 grams each.

Chicks fledge after about two weeks (15-16 days).

Distribution

World distribution(GBIF)

Irish distribution

Today, this species is very rare in Ireland with the declining population confined to coastal bogs in County Mayo and County Donegal.

This species has declined because of a reduction in mixed farming, particularly the loss of small plots of vegetables and cereal in the landscape (Gilbert, Stanbury and Lewis, 2021)

Temporal change

Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024

The following map is interactive. If you would prefer to view it full screen then click here.

References

Publications

Gilbert, G., Stanbury, A. and Lewis, L., 2021. Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland 4: 2020-2026. [online] Wicklow. Available at: <https://birdwatchireland.ie/birds-of-conservation-concern-in-ireland/> [Accessed 2 Jun. 2021].