The vinaceous rosefinch is a species of finch in the family Fringillidae.
Region
Southwest China
Typical Environment
This species is found in mountainous regions of central to southwestern China, frequenting coniferous and mixed temperate forests with dense undergrowth. It favors rhododendron thickets, bamboo stands, and scrubby edges near forest openings. In the non-breeding season it may descend to lower elevations to forage. It uses both natural forest edges and secondary growth, provided there is sufficient shrub cover.
Altitude Range
1500–3800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The vinaceous rosefinch is a medium-sized finch whose male shows a rich wine-red (vinous) wash, while the female is brown and heavily streaked. It inhabits montane forests and scrub, often around rhododendron and bamboo. The Taiwanese population formerly included in this species is now usually treated as the Taiwan rosefinch (Carpodacus formosanus).
Temperament
shy and retiring
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with an undulating finish
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it forms small, loose flocks that move through shrubby edges and forest margins. During breeding, pairs are territorial and nest in dense shrubs or low trees. Nests are cup-shaped and constructed from twigs, rootlets, and moss.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
The song is a soft, warbling series of sweet notes interspersed with twitters. Calls include thin, high seeps and short buzzy chips given in flight or while foraging.
Plumage
Male shows overall vinous-rose tones with slightly darker, faintly streaked upperparts; female is warm brown with strong streaking above and below. Both sexes have a stout, conical bill and relatively plain wings lacking bold wing bars.
Diet
It feeds primarily on seeds of grasses, herbs, and shrubs, supplemented by buds and soft fruit such as berries. During the breeding season it also takes small insects and other invertebrates for added protein. It will glean from stems and seed heads and occasionally forage on the ground along trails and edges.
Preferred Environment
Foraging usually occurs in dense shrub layers, bamboo patches, and rhododendron thickets along forest margins. It also uses regenerating clearings and scrubby slopes where seed resources are abundant.
