The Yemen linnet is a species of finch in the family Fringillidae. It is native to the Southwestern Arabian foothills savanna. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry shrubland.
Region
Southwestern Arabian Peninsula
Typical Environment
Primarily found in the Southwestern Arabian foothills savanna across the highlands of western Yemen and adjacent southwestern Saudi Arabia. It favors semi-arid shrublands, rocky slopes, juniper and acacia scrub, and the edges of terraced agriculture. The species uses wadis and hillside pastures where seed-bearing herbs and grasses persist after seasonal rains. It is largely sedentary, making local movements in response to food and water availability.
Altitude Range
800–2800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Yemen linnet is a small finch of the Arabian highlands, often moving in small, chatty flocks between scrub and terraced fields. Males show a subtle rose wash on the forehead and breast, especially in the breeding season, while females are plainer and more streaked. It adapts well to semi-arid slopes with scattered shrubs and juniper, and frequently visits cultivated edges for seeds. Formerly placed in Carduelis, it is now usually treated in the genus Linaria with other linnets.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
undulating with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it forms small flocks that forage low in shrubs and on the ground. Pairs nest in dense bushes or small trees, building a neat cup of twigs and plant fibers. Clutches are typically small, and adults may make local movements to track seeding plants.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A light, twittering finch song of trills and warbling phrases delivered from a perch or during short display flights. Contact calls are soft, tinkling notes and dry twitters that keep the flock together.
Plumage
Overall sandy-brown to grey-brown with fine streaking on the back and flanks, paler underparts, and a neat, compact finch silhouette. Males show a faint rose to reddish wash on the forehead and breast in breeding condition; females are duller and more streaked. Wings and tail are darker with pale edges.
Diet
Primarily consumes seeds of grasses, weeds, and shrubs, including composites and other dryland plants. Buds and small berries are taken when available. During the breeding season it supplements the diet with small invertebrates to feed growing chicks.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on the ground and in low shrubs within open scrub, field edges, and rocky slopes. Frequently visits disturbed patches and terrace margins where seed heads are abundant, and also uses wadis after rains when annuals set seed.
