The twite is a linnet-like finch of the shores and heather moors of northern Britain, particularly Scotland, and is also common in Scandinavia and along the Baltic coast. In winter many flocks come south to the east coast of Britain, especially around the Wash, and as far as Kent. They are often in flocks of 30 or more and go rocketing by, so where they gather they are hard to miss and are among the most animated birds of the beach. Their name is pronounced, as would be expected, to rhyme with “tight”, but it used to be pronounced “tweet”, an imitation of their harsh, nasal “schweek” call. ILLUSTRATION BY PETER BROWNThey are simple, streaky brown birds,…

Source: The Times February 02, 2019 00:02 UTC