Pink-browed Rosefinch

Overview

The pink-browed rosefinch (Carpodacus rodochroa) is a medium-sized finch in the family Fringillidae, described by Nicholas Aylward Vigors in 1831. It is a migratory species found across the northern regions of the Indian subcontinent, primarily in the Himalayas, and is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Identification

• Males are bright raspberry pink with a 'browed' facial pattern, faint streaking on the back, and underparts that range from reddish brown to mauve on the breast.
• Females are predominantly brown with streaked buffy underparts, broad white eyebrows, and lightly streaked pale cheeks and throat.
• The bird is slender, measuring approximately 14-15 centimeters in length and weighing 16-20 grams, with a pointed beak, indented tail, and black eyes.
• The song consists of loud, upwardly toned whistles described as "toowhi toowhi", often delivered from the tops of shrubs or low trees.

Habitat

This species inhabits a diverse range of environments including boreal forests, shrub-lands, grasslands, and dry forests across Bhutan, Tibet, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. It is adapted to high elevations, with a range extending from 1,800 meters up to 4,540 meters, and undertakes short-distance seasonal migrations between lower and higher altitudes.

Diet

The pink-browed rosefinch feeds on plants such as Cyathula, Viburnum, and Ziziphus Mauritiana. It forages on the ground by hopping or shuffling and shows a distinct preference for the edges of melting snow patches when searching for food.

Did you know?

During breeding season, which occurs in July and August, the female incubates roughly four to five eggs that are notably turquoise-blue in color. These eggs may be unspotted or feature light spots and lines of black or reddish-brown.