The spot-winged rosefinch, also known as the spotted rosefinch, is a species of finch in the family Fringillidae. It is found in India and Nepal. Sharpe's rosefinch was formerly considered conspecific with it. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical high-altitude shrubland.
Region
Central Himalayas
Typical Environment
This species occurs patchily along the central Himalayas, chiefly in Nepal and adjacent northern India. It favors alpine and subalpine scrub dominated by dwarf rhododendron, juniper, willow, and birch near and above the treeline. Birds may descend to slightly lower elevations into open conifer edges and shrubby slopes outside the breeding season. Local movements track food availability and snow cover, leading to occasional appearances in high meadows and scree margins.
Altitude Range
3000–4600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The spot-winged rosefinch is a high-altitude Himalayan finch noted for the pale spots on its wing coverts that give the species its name. It was formerly lumped with Sharpe's rosefinch but is now treated as a separate species based on differences in plumage and range. It frequents rhododendron and juniper scrub above the treeline and often undertakes short altitudinal movements after breeding.
A spot-winged rosefinch in the Langtang Valley of Nepal
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with undulating flight
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it often forages in small, loose flocks, sometimes mixed with other high-altitude finches. Pairs form in spring, and nesting is typically low in dense shrubs or dwarf conifers, with the female incubating while the male brings food. Territorial behavior is most pronounced around nest sites.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
The song is a soft series of thin, tinkling warbles and trills delivered from a shrub or low perch. Calls include metallic twinks and short cheeps used to keep contact within small groups.
Plumage
Compact finch with a short conical bill and spotted wing coverts forming pale wing panels. Males show rosy to pinkish tones on the head, breast, and rump with contrasting brown upperparts; females are brown and heavily streaked with subtle pale spotting on the wings.
Diet
It feeds primarily on small seeds, buds, and shoots of alpine shrubs and forbs. Berries such as juniper and rhododendron are taken when available. In the breeding season it supplements its diet with small insects and larvae to meet higher protein demands.
Preferred Environment
Foraging occurs in dwarf rhododendron and juniper scrub, along shrub-lined gullies, and at the edges of alpine meadows. Birds often feed low, hopping on the ground or probing among shrub bases and rocky patches.
