The red-mantled rosefinch is a species of finch in the family Fringillidae. It is found in Afghanistan, China, India, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Russia, and Tajikistan. Its natural habitats are temperate forest and boreal shrubland.
Region
Central and Inner Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs across mountainous regions from Afghanistan and northern Pakistan through Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan to Mongolia, western China, and southern Siberia. It favors coniferous and mixed montane forests, subalpine scrub with juniper, willow, and rhododendron, and boreal shrublands. Outside the breeding season it descends into valleys, forest edges, and riverine thickets, sometimes visiting orchards and villages. It uses rocky slopes with scattered shrubs for nesting and foraging and tolerates open, windswept terrain near the treeline.
Altitude Range
1800–4800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Males show a distinctive crimson mantle and rosy tones, which give the species its name, while females are finely streaked and much duller. It frequents high-altitude forests and shrublands and often forms small flocks outside the breeding season. Diet shifts seasonally from seeds and berries to include more insects during breeding. Its altitudinal movements bring it to lower valleys in winter.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with undulating flight
Social Behavior
Typically forms pairs during the breeding season and small flocks or loose groups in winter. Nests are placed low in dense shrubs or small conifers; clutch size is modest, and both parents contribute to feeding. It is generally unobtrusive, feeding quietly in shrubs and on the ground, but becomes more gregarious outside breeding.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A sweet, warbling series of whistles and trills delivered from a shrub top or low tree. Calls include sharp cheeps and soft twitters used to keep contact within small groups.
Plumage
Male with rosy head and underparts, bright crimson mantle and rump, brownish wings with pale edging; female is warm brown with heavy streaking and a pale supercilium, lacking red tones. Both sexes have a stout, conical finch bill and relatively plain wings with faint wingbars.
Diet
Primarily consumes seeds of grasses, weeds, and shrubs, along with buds and shoots. Berries such as juniper and other small fruits are important, especially in late summer and autumn. During the breeding season it supplements the diet with insects and other small invertebrates, providing protein for growing chicks. It will also take flower parts and young leaves when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages in subalpine scrub, forest edges, and open glades with scattered bushes. Often feeds low in shrubs or on the ground along rocky slopes, alpine meadows, and riverine thickets. In winter it may use human-modified habitats like orchards and village edges.
