Twite
Linaria flavirostris
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Twite is a small, brown finch of mountain and coastal habitats — and Marshside is one of the most important wintering sites for Twite in northwest England. Flocks of 50–200 birds can be found on the saltmarsh and rough coastal grassland, feeding on saltmarsh plant seeds. The pink rump on male Twites is a good field mark. The UK population has declined catastrophically — down 80% since the 1990s. A winter visit to Marshside with good Twite flocks is increasingly precious.
At a Glance
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Habitat | Saltmarsh · Coastal rough grassland · Strandline |
| Diet | Seeds of saltmarsh plants, particularly Sea Lavender, Sea Aster and coastal grasses |
| UK population | Around 40,000 pairs; red-listed due to 80% decline since the 1990s |
| Sefton Coast | Marshside is one of northwest England's best winter sites — regular flocks of 50–200 birds |
| Conservation | UK Red List |
Where to See It
Saltmarsh and rough coastal grassland at Marshside and Hesketh Out Marsh. Feeds on seeds in small flocks.
Identification
Small, streaky brown finch. Yellow bill in winter. Pink rump on males (key feature). Streaked brown throughout — like a Linnet but buffier and without white in wings. Nasal, twanging 'chweet' call in flight.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Walk the Marshside coastal path in December–February. Twite flocks feed on the saltmarsh seeds. Their nasal flight call is distinctive and helps locate flocks before you can see them. Scope is helpful for identifying the pink rump.
Conservation Status
UK Red List
This species is on the UK Red List for Birds (BoCC5), indicating serious concern about its population decline or unfavourable conservation status. Monitoring this species on the Sefton Coast contributes to national population tracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Marshside RSPB important for Twite?
Marshside's saltmarsh supports good populations of the seed-bearing plants that Twite depend on in winter — particularly Sea Aster, Sea Lavender and various coastal grasses. As coastal saltmarsh has been lost across northwest England, the Sefton Coast has become increasingly important for wintering Twite. Counts at Marshside regularly represent a significant proportion of the remaining northwest England winter population.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.