Carduelis cannabina is a species of finch that can be found in Europe, North Africa, and Asia. The spelling of this word can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The first part, "car-doo-lis," is pronounced /ˈkɑrdjʊlɪs/ and refers to the genus of the bird. The second part, "can-na-bi-na," is pronounced /kænˈæbɪnə/ and refers to the specific species. This word is spelled using Latinization, which is a common practice in scientific naming, to standardize the names of organisms across different languages.
Carduelis cannabina, commonly known as the Eurasian linnet or simply the linnet, is a small passerine bird belonging to the finch family, Fringillidae. It is widely distributed across Europe, North Africa, and parts of western Asia. The linnet typically measures around 12 to 14 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of approximately 22 centimeters.
This species is characterized by its slim and compact body, pointed wings, and a slender bill, which is specialized for extracting seeds from various plants. Adult male linnets have a distinctive plumage, with a wine-red forehead, chest, and rump, contrasting with a gray-brown upperpart and white underparts. Females and juveniles exhibit a less pronounced version of the male's plumage, with the chest and rump being lighter shades of red.
Linnets are commonly found in open habitats, such as farmland, heaths, and scrublands. They are highly social birds, often seen in small flocks or mixed-species foraging groups during non-breeding season. Their diet primarily consists of seeds from various grasses, herbs, and shrubs, especially those of thistles, dandelions, and nettles.
During the breeding season, linnets form monogamous pairs and build cup-shaped nests in trees or shrubs, usually hidden within dense vegetation. The female lays a clutch of 3 to 5 pale blue eggs, which are incubated by both parents for around 12 to 14 days. The chicks fledge after 12 to 15 days and reach sexual maturity within a year.
The linnet's sweet and melodious song, often delivered while perched on a tree or in flight, adds to its
The word "Carduelis cannabina" is the scientific name for the species commonly known as the "Eurasian linnet".
The etymology of the word "Carduelis" can be traced back to the Latin word "carduus", meaning "thistle". This refers to the bird's fondness for feeding on thistle seeds, which are encased in a prickly covering. The genus name "Carduelis" is commonly used for a group of small finch-like birds that feed primarily on seeds.
On the other hand, "cannabina" is derived from the Latin word "cannabis", which means "hemp". This name likely originated due to the similarity between the linnet's call and the sound made when hemp seeds are crushed.