Tim writes: there has been a widespread Linnet decline across Europe since 1980 but the decline in Britain started in the late 1960s. It has always been a bird dependent on arable land but changes to farming practice have taken their toll. Increasing specialisation from mixed farming resulted in many “agriculturally-unnecessary” hedgerows being removed, depriving Linnets of nesing sites and cover. More serious was the switch to autumn-sown cereals which removed winter-stubbles where Linnets fed during winter. The well-grown autumn cereals also squeezed out arable weeds which germinate in spring providing seeds as food. Even the name Linnet comes from a former arable crop Linseed (Linum), as does its scientific name; Linaria cannabina, the last part being named after the crop Hemp. Male Linnets have maroon foreheads and chest but this one is not particularly bright so I think it will be a one year old. They do nest in hedgerows but also like the spiny cover of gorse thickets, which provided the photogenic perch and background on this male, photographed in West Yorkshire.
Widely agreed to be a top-class bird!
Jonathan – I have heard some people think that – other views are available https://markavery.info/2015/05/27/loathsome-linnet/