Twite

Carduelis flavirostris

(C. f. brevirostris)

Armenian Name:	Լեռնային վշասարեկ

See Plate 56 for Twite and other similar species

Resident Status:	Year-round resident
Abundance:	Common
Length:	14 cm, Wing Span:22-24 cm
Distribution Map:	Map 320.
Description:	Dark-streaked with white feather edges on wing and base of tail; short conical yellowish bill. In flight shows a bold white wing patch from below.
Adult (Breeding):	Appears pale with contrasting blackish wings and tail. Dark streaks on back and sides of breast. Broad pink rump is brighter in male.
Adult (Non-breeding):	Browner and more heavily streaked.
Juvenile:	Darker than non-breeder with streaked brown rump.
Similar Species:	Differs from Eurasian Linnet by yellowish bill.
Behavior:	Gregarious, feeding in small flocks on rocky mountain slopes. Males form large "dusk choruses" in breeding season. Often comes to water to bathe.
Habitat:	Mountain steppe in summer; orchards and crop fields in winter.
Food:	Seeds, small invertebrates.
Nest:	Small cup of grass, feathers, and wool under tussock or stone, or in fork of small tree.
Eggs:	18 mm, 4-6, bluish-green, black-brown spots.