The dark-breasted rosefinch is a species of true finch in the monotypic genus Procarduelis. It is found in Bhutan, China, India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Its natural habitats are boreal forests and subtropical or tropical high-altitude shrubland.
Region
Himalayas and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Found from the western Himalayas through Nepal, Bhutan, northeast India, and into highlands of southern China and mainland Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam). Occupies subalpine and montane zones, especially rhododendron, birch, juniper, and mixed conifer-broadleaf edges. Favors thickets, forest clearings, and shrubby slopes near the treeline. In non-breeding seasons it may descend to lower elevations with dense shrub cover. Often occurs in small groups where seed-rich vegetation is abundant.
Altitude Range
2400–4600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This is the only species in the monotypic genus Procarduelis. It inhabits high mountain forests and shrublands across the Himalayas and parts of Southeast Asia, often making short altitudinal movements. In winter it may join mixed flocks with other finches and accentors. Males show a distinctive dark breast patch that gives the species its name.
Temperament
secretive in dense shrubs but forms small groups
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with undulating flight
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs during breeding, nesting low in dense shrubs or stunted trees. Outside the breeding season it gathers in small, loose flocks and may join mixed-species groups. Likely monogamous, with cup nests concealed in thick vegetation.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a soft, warbling series of twitters and trills delivered from a shrub top or low perch. Calls include thin metallic ‘tink’ notes and short cheeps, often given in contact while foraging.
Plumage
Male is deep wine-red to dark rose with a dusky, dark breast patch and darker wings; female is brown and heavily streaked above and below with a paler buffy underside. Both sexes have a stout, conical finch bill and relatively plain wings with faint wingbars. Overall appearance is chunky with strong streaking in females and juveniles.
Diet
Primarily takes seeds of grasses, herbs, and shrubs, along with buds and tender shoots. Berries and small fruits are eaten when available. During breeding it supplements with small invertebrates such as insects and larvae to meet higher protein needs.
Preferred Environment
Feeds low in dense rhododendron or juniper scrub, at forest edges, and in shrubby alpine meadows. Often forages on or near the ground, moving methodically between seed heads and berry-laden bushes.
