Pink-rumped Rosefinch
Carpodacus waltoni
Inhabits open areas such as edges and shrubby expanses. Male is streaky brown above and bright pink below with a similarly-colored brow that flares open towards the back. Averages paler and sandier brown on the back than Chinese and Himalayan Beautiful Rosefinches, and has a brighter and more extensive pink rump than either species. Female is brown and streaky and difficult to distinguish from other female rosefinches; look out for extensive and clear streaking all down the underparts, a weak pale brow, and a finely streaked crown. Usually gives sharp ticking and tinking calls.
Identification
The pink-rumped rosefinch (Carpodacus waltoni) is a species of finch in the family Fringillidae. It is found in central China and eastern Tibet. Its natural habitat is temperate grassland. Its most peculiar characteristic is the pink colour of its wings.
Taxonomy
Genus: Carpodacus; Family: Fringillidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Carpodacus waltoni
- Authority
- (Sharpe, 1905)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Fringillidae
- Genus
- Carpodacus
Range and habitat
Breeding range: PAL : sc, se Palearctic in Tibetan Plateau and Hengduan Mts., in high-montane dry scrub, forest edge: ne Tibet, se Qinghai and w Sichuan, in s to se Tibet and nw Yunnan (wc, c China). Non-breeding range: to lower elevations.
- Breeding range
- PAL : sc, se Palearctic in Tibetan Plateau and Hengduan Mts., in high-montane dry scrub, forest edge: ne Tibet, se Qinghai and w Sichuan, in s to se Tibet and nw Yunnan (wc, c China)
- Non-breeding range
- to lower elevations
- Migration
- Vertical migration
Behavior
Migration pattern: Vertical migration.
Conservation
Population trend: stable.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Pale Crag-Martin
Ptyonoprogne obsoleta
A subtly colored gray-brown member of the swallow family. Note the slightly forked tail with white spots. Nests in canyons, escarpments, gorges, and buildings; frequently in arid areas. Often seen in pairs or small groups. Not very vocal; sometimes gives a short, dry trill. In areas of overlap, averages smaller and paler than the very similar Eurasian Crag-Martin, with underwing coverts that are only slightly darker than the rest of the wing. At a distance, can be confused with “Riparia” martins; look for Pale Crag-Martin’s white tail patches.
Blue-vented Hummingbird
Saucerottia hoffmanni
Fairly small dark hummingbird, green overall with dark blue tail. Straight, medium-length bill. Copper rump and absence of rufous wing flash help distinguish from other similar species. Sexes similar. Usually seen feeding singly in flowers along forest edge, shrubby second growth, and gardens.
Tanimbar Flycatcher
Ficedula riedeli
An unmistakable, little-known, strikingly patterned small flycatcher confined to the Tanimbar Islands. Male is jet black above with a striking white eyebrow, wing patch, and sides to uppertail. Below, shows a tangerine chest and a white belly. Female is undescribed. Found in understory of forest in both lowland areas and in the foothills. Song is a complex high-pitched warble lasting a few seconds, and rising and falling regularly. Calls include a very high “sweee” and a soft, grating “grrr-it.”
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.