Sillem's rosefinch, also known as Sillem's mountain finch or tawny-headed mountain finch is a species of rosefinch in the finch family. It is found only in China and was only known from two specimens collected in 1929 from the Aksai Chin area of southern Xinjiang Autonomous Region. In 2012, the bird was photographed 1500 km from the original collection location. This species was originally placed in the genus Leucosticte but a phylogenetic study using mitochondrial DNA sequences published in 2016 found that Sillem's rosefinch was a sister species to the Tibetan rosefinch. The International Ornithological Committee therefore moved Sillem's mountain finch to the genus Carpodacus.
Region
Tibetan Plateau
Typical Environment
Occurs in high, barren alpine zones of western China, including Aksai Chin and sites photographed in central/southwestern Tibet. It favors rocky scree slopes, alpine steppe, and sparsely vegetated tundra-like terrain above the treeline. Vegetation is low and patchy, with cushion plants and dwarf shrubs. Records suggest a highly patchy distribution tied to remote, windswept plateaus and mountain slopes.
Altitude Range
4200–5600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Once known only from two 1929 specimens from Aksai Chin, it was rediscovered in 2012 by photographs taken far to the southeast on the Tibetan Plateau. Genetic work in 2016 showed it is sister to the Tibetan rosefinch, prompting its transfer from Leucosticte to Carpodacus. It inhabits some of the most remote, high-elevation landscapes on Earth, which helps explain its rarity in collections and observations.
Temperament
wary and discreet
Flight Pattern
low, undulating flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically encountered singly or in small groups in the non-breeding season, often loosely associating with other high-altitude finches. Breeding pairs occupy open, rocky terrain with sparse cover. Nests are presumed to be placed among rocks or low shrubs, as in related rosefinches. Outside the breeding period it may form small, mobile flocks.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Quiet, thin trills and tinkling notes typical of high-altitude rosefinches, often delivered from a rock outcrop. Calls include soft, high-pitched tseet contact notes that carry in windy alpine conditions.
