Père David's snowfinch, also known as the small snowfinch, is a species of bird in the sparrow family.
Region
Mongolian Plateau and northern China
Typical Environment
Found across open steppe and semi-arid grasslands of Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Gansu, and adjacent parts of northern China, with occurrences reaching into Mongolia. Prefers sparsely vegetated plains, stony flats, and fallow fields with low shrubs or bunchgrasses. Frequently associates with areas of small-mammal burrows, which provide nesting sites and microhabitats. In harsher seasons it may descend slightly in elevation and utilize agricultural edges and pasturelands.
Altitude Range
500–3200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the small snowfinch, this species belongs to the sparrow family and was first described from collections by the French missionary-naturalist Armand (Père) David in northern China. It often nests in the burrows of pikas or ground-squirrels and forages on open ground. Outside the breeding season it forms loose flocks and may mix with larks and other seed-eaters.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
low, undulating flight with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Breeds in loose colonies or scattered pairs, often utilizing rodent burrows for nesting. Outside the breeding season it gathers in small to medium-sized flocks that roam steppe habitats in search of seeds. Pairs defend immediate nest sites but are otherwise tolerant of neighbors.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, tinkling series of chirps and trills delivered from the ground or low perches. Calls include dry chips and twittering notes used to maintain flock cohesion.
