Brandt's mountain finch, also known as the black-headed mountain-finch, is a species of finch in the family Fringillidae. It is found in Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. Its natural habitat is temperate grassland.
Region
Central Asia and Himalayas
Typical Environment
Occurs across high mountain systems from the Pamirs and Tien Shan through the Altai to the Himalayas, including parts of Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Russia. Prefers open alpine meadows, scree slopes, and barren plateaus with sparse vegetation. Frequently feeds along snowmelt edges where seeds and insects concentrate. In winter it descends to lower, slightly less exposed slopes and valleys, sometimes frequenting human settlements and grazing areas.
Altitude Range
2500–5200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Brandt's mountain finch, or black-headed mountain-finch, is a high-altitude rosy-finch adapted to cold, windswept alpine zones. It often forages in flocks near snowfields and livestock pastures, shifting to lower elevations in winter. Nests are tucked into rocky crevices or cliffs, offering protection from harsh weather. Its sturdy, conical bill and strong flight help it exploit scattered alpine food resources.
Brandt's Mountain finch or Black-headed Mountain-finch (Leucosticte brandti)-1904
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with short rapid wingbeats and bounding flight
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it forms loose to large flocks, often mixed with other high-altitude finches. Breeds in pairs, placing nests in rocky crevices, cliff ledges, or among boulders, lined with fine grasses and hair. Both parents attend the young, and flocks quickly reform after breeding.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a soft, tinkling series of twitters and trills delivered from a perch or during short display flights. Calls are high, buzzy chips that carry well in windy alpine conditions.
