The Warsangli linnet is a species of finch in the family Fringillidae. It is found only in Somalia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forest and subtropical or tropical high-altitude shrubland. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Horn of Africa
Typical Environment
This species is confined to the limestone escarpments and upper slopes of the Golis Mountains and adjacent highlands in northern Somalia. It occurs in dry montane scrub, open woodland with juniper and frankincense (Boswellia), and high-altitude shrublands with scattered rocks. Forest edges, clearings, and lightly disturbed slopes are used for foraging. It avoids dense lowland thornbush and true desert flats, keeping to cooler upland aspects. Nesting sites are typically in dense shrubs or low trees within these highland mosaics.
Altitude Range
1200–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Warsangli linnet is a small finch restricted to the montane escarpments of northern Somalia, particularly the Golis range. It favors high-altitude scrub and dry, open juniper–frankincense woodlands. Habitat degradation from overgrazing, fuelwood cutting, and resin harvesting threatens its limited range. Its local endemism makes it an important indicator of the health of Somalia’s montane habitats.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
undulating flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it gathers in small, loose flocks, often mixing with other finches. Pairs form during the breeding period, and birds defend small nesting areas within suitable shrub or woodland patches. Nests are compact cups placed in dense shrubs or small trees, with both parents attending the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A light, twittering finch song composed of rapid trills and tinkling notes, delivered from a perch or in short display flights. Calls include soft, liquid twitters and buzzy contact notes used to keep flocks together.
Plumage
A slender linnet with warm brown upperparts, fine streaking, and paler buff underparts; wings show pale bars and the tail is dark with whitish edges. Males often show a faint pinkish wash on the breast and forehead in season, while females are duller and more heavily streaked. The overall texture is crisp, with clean edging on flight feathers.
Diet
It primarily consumes seeds of grasses and herbaceous plants, along with shrub seeds typical of upland semi-arid habitats. Buds and young shoots are taken when available. During the breeding season it supplements with small insects and other invertebrates to provide protein for chicks. It also gleans fallen seeds on rocky ground and along track edges.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in open scrub, woodland edges, rocky slopes, and lightly grazed clearings within highland zones. It often forages low in shrubs or on the ground, moving methodically and in small groups. After rains, it concentrates where seed-bearing herbs are most abundant.
