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Tackling the decline of Linties in Shetland

Learn more about our work supporting twite in Shetland, and learn how you can get involved.

Twite on barbed wire

Area Manager for Species on the Edge Shetland, Nathalie Pion, tells us about the work being done in Shetland to tackle the islands’ declining Lintie (Twite) numbers and how you can help.

In this article:

The decline of Twite in Shetland
Tackling Twite decline
‘Twite crops’
Twite colour ringing
How you can help
Grow a Twite Seed Crop
Shetland Twite Spot Count
Shetland Twite Crop Survey
Shetland Twite Calendar
Five twite perched on a fence
Twite (c) David Dinsley

The decline of Twite in Shetland

In 2013, the estimated population of Twite (Linties in Shetland) in the UK was 7,831 breeding pairs and 98% of the UK’s population was in Scotland. In England, the population had declined by 72% between 1999 and 2013 (Wilkinson et al. 2018[1]). Over the last century, there have been major land use changes across the UK to improve agricultural productivity, largely steered by Government policy aiming to produce food at affordable prices. In Shetland, where previously the inbye land would have been a diverse mix of crops, meadows and grazed pasture, much of the farmland away from the hill is now dominated by species-poor grassland grazed by sheep or made into silage. ‘It’s as if a patchwork quilt has been replaced by a plain blanket’ (Johnston, 1999[2]). Some traditional hay meadows have been replaced by silage grass, and much small-scale cropping and patches of oats, neeps and tatties have largely been abandoned. Older crofters will remember huge flocks of seed-eating birds that were dependent on traditional crofting practices, feeding on the ‘weed’ seeds among crops, or on the stooks of aets (oats) stood for drying. Sites such as these are now seldom seen across the islands. 

Although breeding numbers of Twite have declined in Shetland, it is still a stronghold for the species. Their breeding habitat has changed little over recent decades (in Shetland, they like to nest on steep cliff ledges and quarries), so it is reasonable to assume that lack of winter food is one of the main factors driving their decline. They predominantly feed on small seeds and tend to form large flocks around suitable habitat in the autumn and winter. There is anecdotal evidence that initiatives such as RSPB’s ‘Neeps for Linties’ scheme in the early noughties and the cultivation of bird seed crops by a small number of land managers under their agri-environment schemes in the past few years have provided a stopgap food resource. The data on how much this activity supports Twite in Shetland and how the bird seed crops fit into crofting systems is, however, lacking. Species on the Edge is providing an opportunity to tackle the decline in Twite numbers by defining locally appropriate measures to support both birds and the crofting systems they depend on.

A flock of twite
A flock of twite (c) Ian Francis RSPB

Tackling Twite decline

‘Twite crops’

‘Twite crops’ are unharvested seed mixes including species like mustard, fodder radish, phacelia and linseed established for one or two years to create a source of seeds for wintering birds. In the summer, the colourful crops attract pollinators such as bumblebees. In the autumn and winter, they provide a dense source of small seeds that Twite and other seed-eating birds such as Linnet and Brambling feed on. We are supporting crofters in Shetland to cultivate ground and sow a seed mix on their land. With the help of volunteer surveyors, we are monitoring each site to learn how Twites are using them and assess how conservation crops can also fit into a rotation, adding nutrients and organic matter into the soil.    

It is encouraging that enthusiastic crofters have taken part in the project in 2024. Thirteen wildlife crops went in the ground across Shetland with SotE support and there are at least ten others in agri-environment schemes, from Unst to Spiggie and Fair Isle. We are now working with the communities of Out Skerries and Papa Stour to plant crops in these islands next year. We will host events in February to encourage more land managers to join the project.

People rake soil
Raking seeds for Twite – Spiggie, Shetland (c) RSPB Shetland
A man stands in a field of tall, bright yellow flowers
Twite crops at Firva, Shetland (c) RSPB Shetland

Twite colour-ringing

Previous research has shown that Twites move between Shetland, Orkney and the North, West and East Coasts of Scotland from their breeding grounds to wintering areas, most likely in search of food supplies (Corse et al., 2011[3]). To measure the effectiveness of the bird seed mixes in Shetland and to get a better understanding of the ecology of Twites, we have set up a colour-ringing project. New data can inform best practices and help conserve the species, and also be shared across the UK and potentially even influence agricultural policy decisions. In November and December 2024, we ringed and processed over 120 Twites in two crops with a three-colour combination. The colours we are using are Brown, White, Black, Fluorescent Orange, Lilac, Light Blue and the standard metal British Trust for Ornithology ring. We are now looking for re-sightings. If you see a Twite with colour rings in Shetland or elsewhere in Scotland, please make a note and email it to the Shetland Project Officer. Include the colour combination, location, date, a comment on behaviour (was it feeding, socialising, calling etc.) and ideally a picture.

Whether you have land in Shetland and would like to create a crop for Twite, or you are keen to get involved in surveys, we would like to hear from you. Contact Project Officer Harry (harry.britton@rspb.org.uk).

A twite held in a hand. The twite has several rings on its legs
Ringed twite (c) Harry Britton

How you can help

Grow a Twite Seed Crop

What: If you manage land in Shetland – a large garden, a croft or a farm – you may have suitable ground to cultivate a seed crop to provide a food source for Twite next winter.

When: Plan between January and April. Prepare the ground in May and sow before 15th June.

How: Contact Project Officer Harry (harry.britton@rspb.org.uk) to discuss your options. A member of staff can visit and advise you and support your project.

Shetland Twite Spot Count

What: Help us build our knowledge of Twites in Shetland: their number, where they are and how they move across the islands by recording your sightings, as and when you encounter them.

When: Year round

How: Keep an eye out and listen for Twites when you are out in your garden or on a walk in Shetland. Record sightings (number of birds, location, date, weather conditions and habitat) and send data to RSPB. A recording sheet is available. Report colour-ringed birds.

Skills required: An ability to identify Twite. Training can be provided.

Register: Species on the Edge volunteer team member

Shetland Twite Crop Survey

What: Help us monitor Twite crops in Shetland to better understand seed supply, how birds are using the crops and how the number of birds changes over time, so as to inform future conservation measures.

When: October-March

How:  Carry out 30-minute watches of your assigned crop every 2-4 weeks on calm, dry days, and record the number of Twites present. Assess the seed supply in the plot using a recording sheet.

Skills required: An ability to identify Twite confidently and follow standard survey instructions. Training will be provided.

Register: Species on the Edge volunteer team member

Shetland Twite Calendar

What: Designed for land managers to take part in recording species on their croft or farm, the calendar is a simple recording scheme to monitor the abundance of Twite in a crop during the winter.

When: October-March

How:  Count the number of Twite in your crop once a week and record the maximum number present, and the date, time and weather conditions.

Skills required: An ability to identify Twite. Training can be provided.

Any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.


[1] Wilkinson, N. I., Eaton, M. A., Colhoun, K., & Drewitt, A. L. (2018). The population status of breeding Twite Linaria flavirostris in the UK in 2013. Bird Study, 65(2), 174–188.

[2] Johnston, J. L. (1999). A naturalist’s Shetland. T & A Poyser Natural History.

[3] Corse, C. J., Clark, H., Duncan, R., Mainwood, T., Patterson, D., Wells, L., Ribbands, J. B. (2011). Movements of Twite Carduelis flavirostris in northern Scotland. Ringing & Migration, 26(2), 101–108.

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