Przevalski's finch, Przewalski's finch or Przevalski's pinktail, is an unusual passerine bird endemic to the mountains of central-west China. The species is named after Mikhail Pyltsov, the Russian explorer who accompanied Nikolai Przhevalsky on the expedition in which specimens of the bird were collected. Its taxonomic affinities were unclear for a long time, giving rise to other common names, the pink-tailed bunting and the Przewalski's rosefinch. In 2000 it was proposed that it should in fact be regarded neither as a finch nor a bunting, but as the only member of the family Urocynchramidae, something that had been originally proposed in the German ornithological literature as long ago as 1918 by Janusz von Domaniewski, and also by Wolters in 1979. This change was adopted in the sixth edition of the Clements checklist.
Region
Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau
Typical Environment
Occurs on arid, high-elevation slopes and plateaus with scattered shrubs, rocky outcrops, and alpine steppe. It favors dwarf scrub of Caragana, Salix, and seabuckthorn, as well as boulder-strewn gullies and ridgelines with sparse grass cover. Dense forest is generally avoided, and birds keep close to cover. During winter, it may descend slightly to more sheltered valleys and scrubby foothills.
Altitude Range
3000–4800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as Przewalski's finch or Przevalski's pinktail, it is the sole member of the family Urocynchramidae, making it taxonomically unique among passerines. Despite its common name, it is neither a true finch nor a bunting. The species name honors Mikhail Pyltsov, who accompanied explorer Nikolai Przhevalsky during the expedition that collected the first specimens.
Temperament
shy and retiring
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with undulating hops between shrubs
Social Behavior
Breeds in isolated pairs that keep close to low shrubs and rocks; outside the breeding season it forms small, loose flocks. The cup-shaped nest is placed low in dense shrub or among rocks. Pairs are likely monogamous for the season, and both adults tend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A soft, sweet series of tinkling trills and twittering notes delivered from a shrub top or rock. Calls include thin, high contact notes used to keep in touch while foraging in cover.
Plumage
Overall sandy-brown to buff with fine streaking on the upperparts and flanks; long, narrow tail with rosy-pink tones most evident in males. Rump and tail often show pink highlights; underparts paler with subtle streaks. Feathers are relatively plain but with clean, crisp edging giving a tidy appearance.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small seeds of alpine grasses and shrubs, including Artemisia and Caragana, as well as buds and berries when available. In the breeding season it supplements with insects such as beetles and caterpillars, which are important for nestlings. It occasionally picks fresh shoots and tiny leaves.
Preferred Environment
Forages on or near the ground among rocks, low scrub, and tussocky steppe. Often gleans from shrub branches and the base of bushes, staying close to cover and moving in short hops.
