The Afghan snowfinch or the Afghan ground-sparrow, bar-tailed snowfinch, Meinertzhagen's snowfinch, or Theresa's snowfinch, is a passerine bird of the sparrow family Passeridae, endemic to the northern parts of the Hindu Kush mountains in Afghanistan. There are no major threats to the species despite its restricted range, so it is assessed as least concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is mostly a seed-eater, supplementing its diet with some insects. It builds its nest in the burrows or hollows of ground-dwelling rodents, lined with hair or feathers.
Region
Hindu Kush
Typical Environment
Occupies open, stony alpine and subalpine steppe, barren slopes, and high-elevation plateaus with sparse vegetation. Often associated with colonies of burrowing mammals where nesting sites are available. May forage along track edges, fallow fields, and around remote high-mountain settlements. Prefers dry, windswept habitats with scattered grasses and low forbs and minimal shrub cover.
Altitude Range
2300–4200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the Afghan ground-sparrow or Theresa's snowfinch, it is a high-altitude passerine of the sparrow family Passeridae restricted to Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush. It often nests in the burrows of pikas or other small mammals, lining the chamber with hair and feathers. Despite its small range, it faces no major threats and is assessed as Least Concern.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with bounding, low-to-ground flight
Social Behavior
Often in pairs during breeding and small loose flocks outside the season, frequently near burrow colonies of small mammals. Nests are placed in rodent burrows or rock crevices and lined with hair, wool, and feathers. Likely monogamous, with both parents feeding the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A simple, dry twittering and chirping series delivered from rocks or low perches. Calls include sharp chips and soft trills used to keep contact within small groups.
