Linnet

a common song bird of the finch or sparrow family. It is native to Europe and the adjacent regions of Asia and Africa. It is a migratory bird. In the spring, when it makes its appearance in England, the head and breast of the male are of a bright crimson. As autumn approaches the plumage becomes brown streaked and dull. In this respect the linnet is much like our bobolink, of which, indeed, it is a relative. The first syllable of the name is the lin of linen, which also appears in lint. The Scotch call it the lintie and the lintwhite, no doubt because it is fond of linseed. The habits of the bird are much like those of the American goldfinch. The linnet is much prized as a cage bird. It is sociable and friendly, and has a clear, flute-like note. It requires much the same food and care as a canary. The people of the Black Forest in Germany are skilled in breeding linnets and in teaching them to sing.