The Tibetan rosefinch, also known as Roborovski's rosefinch, is a species of rosefinch in the finch family Fringillidae. It is sometimes placed in the monotypic genus Kozlowia. It is endemic to the Tibetan Plateau. Its natural habitat is montane tundra.
Region
Tibetan Plateau
Typical Environment
This species is confined to the high, windswept plateau of Tibet and adjacent Qinghai, occupying alpine steppe, montane tundra, and barren scree. It favors stony slopes, sparse dwarf-shrub patches, and cushion plant meadows near snowmelt zones. During harsher weather it may descend slightly to more sheltered valleys and yak pastures. Its range is patchy but follows suitable habitat across the central and northern plateau.
Altitude Range
4000–5600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Tibetan rosefinch, also called Roborovski's rosefinch, is a high-altitude finch of the Tibetan Plateau and is sometimes placed in the monotypic genus Kozlowia. It is unusually plain for a rosefinch, blending perfectly with the stony alpine tundra it inhabits. Pairs nest on the ground among rocks and cushion plants, where the cryptic plumage helps conceal adults and young from predators.
Temperament
wary and ground-oriented
Flight Pattern
low, fast flight with short, undulating bursts
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it forages in small, loose flocks that roam over suitable alpine steppe. In the breeding season it forms monogamous pairs and nests on or close to the ground among rocks or dense cushion plants. Adults are attentive but secretive around the nest and lead fledglings into cover quickly after disturbance.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a simple, high-pitched series of tinkling trills and twitters delivered from a rock or low perch. Calls include dry cheks and soft pink notes used to keep contact in sparse cover.
