The Chinese white-browed rosefinch is a true finch species.
Region
Central China and eastern Tibetan Plateau
Typical Environment
Occupies subalpine and alpine scrub, rhododendron thickets, willow and juniper scrub, and edges of coniferous forest. In summer it frequents open slopes with scattered bushes and rocky outcrops, often near treeline. During colder months it may descend into valleys and montane shrublands. It avoids dense lowland forests and urban areas, favoring mosaic habitats with seed-rich ground cover.
Altitude Range
2500–4600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Chinese white-browed rosefinch is a true finch of high-elevation scrub and forest edges in central China. Males show a striking white eyebrow over rosy plumage, while females are brown and heavily streaked with a pale brow. It was formerly treated as conspecific with the Himalayan white-browed rosefinch but is now recognized as a separate species. It often makes short altitudinal movements, dropping to lower slopes in winter.
Temperament
wary and somewhat secretive, but tolerant of small groups
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with bounding, undulating flight typical of finches
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it forms small flocks that forage in low shrubs and on the ground. Pairs are monogamous in the breeding period and defend small nesting territories. The nest is a cup placed low in dense shrubs or dwarf conifers, and clutches typically contain 3–5 eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
The song is a clear, tinkling series of melodious notes delivered from a shrub top or low perch. Calls are sharp finch-like chips and metallic twinks used to keep contact within small groups.
Plumage
Males are rosy to crimson with a bold white supercilium, darker wings with pale edging, and variable streaking on the flanks; females are brown to buff with heavy streaking and a pale whitish brow. Both sexes have a sturdy, conical finch bill and relatively plain, dark wings with light fringes.
Diet
Feeds mainly on seeds of grasses and herbaceous plants, as well as buds and soft shoots of alpine shrubs. Berries and small fruits are taken when available. During the breeding season it supplements with small insects and other invertebrates, especially for nestlings.
Preferred Environment
Forages on the ground and in low shrubs within alpine meadows, scrubby slopes, and forest edges. Often uses rocky patches and dwarf rhododendron thickets where seeds are abundant and cover is close by.
