The Asian rosy finch or Asian rosy-finch is a species of finch in the family Fringillidae. It breeds in Mongolia and the East Palearctic; it winters in Manchuria, Korea, Sakhalin and Japan. Its natural habitats are tundra and temperate grassland.
Region
East Palearctic
Typical Environment
Breeds across high mountains and tundra from Mongolia and the Altai through Siberia to the Russian Far East. Prefers barren, rocky slopes, scree, alpine meadows, and tundra plains with sparse vegetation. In winter it descends to lower elevations and moves to open steppe, coastal fields, river valleys, and sometimes human-modified grasslands. It often concentrates along windswept ridges, snow-free patches, and areas where seeds are accessible.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 4000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Asian rosy finch breeds on windswept alpine tundra and rocky slopes, then moves south or downslope in winter to open grasslands and coasts in northeast Asia. Flocks can number in the hundreds outside the breeding season, often feeding on exposed ground near snowmelt edges. Its rosy-pink wing and rump tones are most vivid in good light and help distinguish it from other brown finches. It is adaptable to harsh climates and can forage in blustery, subfreezing conditions.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with bounding, undulating flight
Social Behavior
Breeds in solitary pairs or loose colonies, nesting in rock crevices, cliff ledges, or among boulders. Outside the breeding season it forms medium to large flocks, sometimes mixed with other finches. Pairs are monogamous during the season, and both adults help provision nestlings.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Song is a sweet, tinkling series of twitters and trills delivered from a rock or low flight. Calls include metallic chinks and soft chee notes, often given in flight and when flocking.
