The crimson-browed finch is a true finch species. It is found in Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, and Nepal. Its natural habitats are temperate forests and temperate shrubland.
Region
Himalayas and Southwest China
Typical Environment
Occurs from Nepal and Bhutan through northeast India and northern Myanmar into southern and central China. Breeds in temperate coniferous and mixed forests with dense undergrowth, especially rhododendron, birch, and juniper zones. Uses forest edges, clearings, and alpine scrub during the warmer months. In winter it often descends to lower valleys and foothills, foraging in thickets, secondary growth, and sometimes orchards. Local movements track food availability and snow cover.
Altitude Range
1800–4200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The crimson-browed finch is a large rosefinch of the Himalayan region, with males showing a striking crimson eyebrow and pinkish-red tones. It frequents high-elevation forests and rhododendron thickets, often moving downslope in winter. Pairs or small flocks can be quite secretive, feeding quietly among dense shrubs. Like many finches, it shifts to more insect food during the breeding season.
Female of the species from Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh.
Temperament
shy and often secretive
Flight Pattern
undulating flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually in pairs during the breeding season and in small flocks or loose parties at other times. Nests are cup-shaped and placed in dense shrubs or conifers. Likely monogamous, with both parents contributing to feeding the young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song consists of sweet, tinkling phrases and warbling trills delivered from a perch within cover. Calls include soft chips and metallic twinks used to maintain contact in foliage.
Plumage
Male shows a bold crimson brow and face with pinkish to crimson underparts and brown-olive upperparts; female is olive-brown with heavy streaking and a faint pale supercilium. Both sexes have a heavy, conical finch bill and relatively plain wings with subtle edging. Underparts of females are buffy with dark streaks.
Diet
Feeds primarily on seeds, buds, and berries from shrubs and conifers, including rhododendron, juniper, birch, and various herbaceous plants. During spring and summer it supplements with insects and other small invertebrates for protein. Also takes fallen seeds on the ground and plucks fruits directly from shrubs. Opportunistic in winter, shifting to whatever seed sources remain accessible.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense montane shrubs, forest edges, and clearings, often within rhododendron belts. Will descend to scrubby valleys and secondary growth in winter and may use weedy patches or orchard margins.
