The common rosefinch or scarlet rosefinch is the most widespread and common rosefinch of Asia and Europe.
Region
Palearctic
Typical Environment
Breeds across temperate Eurasia from northeastern Europe through Siberia to the Russian Far East, inhabiting shrubby edges, riparian thickets, young willow and birch stands, and forest margins. In winter it moves to South and Southeast Asia, especially the Indian subcontinent and parts of Indochina. It also uses parks, gardens, and farmland hedgerows where dense cover and seed resources are available. During migration it frequents coastal scrub and weedy fields and can appear as a vagrant further west and south.
Altitude Range
0–3000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The common rosefinch, also called the scarlet rosefinch, is the most widespread rosefinch across Eurasia. Breeding males show a striking rosy-red head, breast, and rump, while females and juveniles are brown and heavily streaked. It has expanded westward in Europe over the last few decades and is a regular vagrant to new areas. Its sweet, warbling song is often delivered from exposed perches in shrubs or trees.
A clutch of eggs
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
undulating flight with swift wingbeats
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it gathers in small to medium flocks, often with other seed-eating finches. During breeding it is typically monogamous and nests in shrubs or small trees, building a neat cup of grasses and stems. Both parents feed the young, with insects forming a larger part of the nestling diet.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A pleasant, rich warble of clear, fluting whistles, often compared to a simple canary-like song. Males sing from exposed perches and intersperse the song with softer call notes during courtship.
Plumage
Breeding males are rosy-red on the head, breast, and rump with brownish wings and back; non-breeding males are duller. Females and juveniles are brown and streaked above with paler, lightly streaked underparts. Plumage is relatively plain aside from the male’s red tones and a stout, pale bill typical of finches.
Diet
Feeds primarily on seeds of weeds, grasses, and trees such as birch and alder. It also takes buds and shoots in spring and a variety of berries when available. During the breeding season, adults consume and deliver more insects and other invertebrates to nestlings. Foraging is mostly gleaning from stems and foliage, with occasional ground feeding.
Preferred Environment
Favors dense shrubs, riparian thickets, forest edges, weedy fields, and hedgerows where seeds and cover are abundant. In winter it frequents open woodland, groves, village edges, and cultivated areas with fruiting bushes.
