The plain mountain finch is a species of finch in the family Fringillidae. Its natural habitat is temperate grassland, upland forest and rocky cliffs. It is a resident breeder across the Himalayas. Their color and patterns resemble house sparrows.
Region
Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau
Typical Environment
Occurs from northeastern Afghanistan and Pakistan across India and Nepal to Bhutan and the Tibetan Plateau. Prefers open alpine and subalpine habitats including meadows, steppe-like grasslands, scree slopes, and rocky cliffs. It also uses open juniper scrub and high pastoral areas, and in winter may move to stubble fields and village edges. The species is generally resident within mountain ranges but shifts elevation seasonally following snow and food availability.
Altitude Range
2500–5200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A hardy finch of high mountains, it often forms tight, swirling flocks that forage on windswept slopes and pastures. Its subdued, sparrow-like plumage can cause confusion, but its alpine haunts and flocking behavior are good clues. In winter it may descend to lower valleys and farmland, sometimes mixing with other finches.
Showing wing pattern of Primaries, alula, secondaries, median coverts etc. Photographed from East Sikkim, India.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with bounding arcs
Social Behavior
Often in medium to large flocks outside the breeding season, feeding and moving cohesively across open slopes. Breeds in loose colonies or scattered pairs, nesting in rock crevices, ledges, or among boulders. Both parents participate in feeding the young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A soft, wheezy warble interspersed with tinkling notes delivered from rocks or low flight. Flock contact calls are thin, metallic chips and twitters, frequently given in swirling flight.
