The dark-rumped rosefinch is a species of finch in the family Fringillidae.
Region
Himalayas and southwestern China
Typical Environment
Found from Nepal and Bhutan through northern India (including Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh) into southern and eastern Tibet, and parts of Sichuan and Yunnan in China. It favors subalpine to alpine shrublands, forest edges, and thickets dominated by rhododendron, birch, juniper, and willow. In summer it occupies higher, open scrub and meadow margins; in winter it drifts downslope into denser scrub and forest understories. It often frequents rocky slopes, gullies, and clearings near treeline.
Altitude Range
2500–4500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The dark-rumped rosefinch is a high-montane finch of the Himalayas and southwestern China, often keeping to dense rhododendron and juniper scrub. Males show deep rosy-red tones offset by the namesake dark rump, while females are more cryptically streaked brown. It makes local altitudinal movements following food availability. Like many rosefinches, it helps disperse seeds of alpine shrubs and forbs.
Temperament
shy and skulking in dense cover
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with bounding, undulating arcs
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it often travels in small, loose flocks or mixed finch groups, keeping low in shrubs. During breeding it is typically seen in pairs, with the female building a cup nest in dense bushes or low conifers. Pairs are presumed monogamous within a season, and both adults help provision the young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a sweet, thin, warbling series of twitters and trills delivered from a shrub top or concealed perch. Calls include sharp metallic chips and soft tinkling notes used to keep contact within cover.
