Finch, Essex, Early April (1 Viewer)

[djw0208]

At first I'd dismissed these photos as a female linnet, but looking at them again, the shape doesn't seem quite right for a linnet, the back is heavily streaked and the bill also looks slightly different. Could it therefore be a Twite?

Many Thanks

 

[wheatearlp]

I'd still say Linnet. The pale cheek spot on a grey head with faintly streaked crown & he bill looks bigger than I'd expect on Twite. The mantle looks the same as I'm seeing on the remnants of our local wintering Linnet flock.

 

[PYRTLE]

As with the others, this is not a Twite, just on bill size, shape and colour.

 

[djw0208]

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the insights.