The crimson-winged finch is a pale-colored thickset finch with a heavy, dull yellowish bill. It is the only species placed in the genus Rhodopechys. It is found in North Africa and from Turkey to northeast Pakistan. The crimson-winged finch has sometimes been split into two species, the African crimson-winged finch and the Asian crimson-winged finch.
Region
North Africa and Western–Central Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Atlas Mountains of Morocco and Algeria across Turkey, the Caucasus, Iran, and the highlands of Central Asia to northeast Pakistan. It favors barren, stony slopes, alpine steppe, and scree near the snowline, often with sparse shrubs or juniper. In winter it descends to lower, more open valleys, fallow fields, and semi-desert edges. It may visit village margins and irrigated plots when natural seed resources are scarce.
Altitude Range
1500–5000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The crimson-winged finch is a high-mountain finch notable for its striking crimson wing patches that flash in flight. It is currently treated as the sole species in the genus Rhodopechys, though some authorities split it into African and Asian species. Outside the breeding season it forms roaming flocks that move altitudinally to find seeds. Its heavy, dull yellowish bill is adapted to cracking tough, dry seeds in harsh alpine environments.
African subspecies, Oukaimeden, Morocco
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong, direct flight with quick wingbeats; conspicuous flashing of crimson wings
Social Behavior
Breeds in loose colonies or scattered pairs on cliffs and rocky slopes, nesting in crevices or under ledges. Outside the breeding season it forms small to medium-sized flocks that wander widely in search of seed resources. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season and may reuse traditional nesting ledges.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a soft, tinkling series of twitters and trills delivered from rocks or during short display flights. Calls include a dry chup and thin, ringing notes that carry over open slopes.
Plumage
Pale sandy to gray-brown body with soft, fine streaking and a contrasting rosy to crimson panel in the wings; rump and underparts often show a faint pinkish wash in males. The head is pale grayish with a darker mask around the lores; overall impression is pale and thickset. The tail is dark-centered with paler edges, showing contrast in flight.
Diet
Primarily consumes seeds of alpine grasses, forbs, and chenopods, supplemented by buds and small berries when available. During the breeding season it takes small insects and other invertebrates, especially for nestlings. It often feeds on fallen seeds and spilt grain around highland settlements in winter.
Preferred Environment
Forages mostly on the ground among scree, rocky flats, and sparse alpine vegetation. In winter it frequents open fields, steppe edges, and village margins where seed is accessible. It may gather in mixed-species flocks with other finches at productive patches.
