Tibetan Rosefinch

Carpodacus roborowskii

Strapping long-winged rosefinch of the northeastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Male is dazzling, with a raspberry-pink body and a head the color of fine wine. Female is streaky gray-brown all over with a pale belly and yellowish bill. Like other plateau finches, forages on the ground solitarily, in pairs, or in small flocks. Found in rocky open spaces such as plateau steppes and meadows at 4500-5400 meters.

Identification

The Tibetan rosefinch (Carpodacus roborowskii), 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.

Taxonomy

Genus: Carpodacus; Family: Fringillidae; Order: Passeriformes.

Scientific name
Carpodacus roborowskii
Authority
(Przevalski, 1887)
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Fringillidae
Genus
Carpodacus

Range and habitat

The Tibetan rosefinch is found in northeastern Tibet, in the Buckhan Boda Shan, Amne Machin and Kunlun mountains in Qinghai. These birds live among rocky steppes and alpine pastures, in areas with sparse vegetation. Because of its desolate habitat, the Tibetan rosefinch's range is shared with few other birds, aside from Brandt's mountain finch.

Breeding range
PAL : ec Palearctic in very high barren rocky steppe and near glaciers: Qinghai and ne (perhaps to se) Tibet
Non-breeding range
to lower elevations in severe weather
Migration
Resident species

Behavior

Migration pattern: Resident species.

Conservation

Population trend: stable.

Population trend
stable

Photos

Distribution

Other Birds

Delta Amacuro Softtail

Delta Amacuro Softtail

Thripophaga amacurensis

Distinctive streaky brown bird of riverine habitats of the Orinoco Delta. Most of body brown with buffy streaks (tear-shaped on underparts). Rich chestnut on chin, wings, rump, and tail. Sexes similar. Locally common and often in pairs, found from understory to canopy in riverine forest where often climbs trunks like a woodcreeper. Voice is an explosive group of short notes, mostly in duet. Similar to Orinoco Softtail (no range overlap), which is less streaked and has a buff eyebrow; Rusty-backed Spinetail is unstreaked. Endemic to the Orinoco River of northeastern Venezuela.

Green Junglefowl

Green Junglefowl

Gallus varius

Fancy-looking “chicken” endemic to Java and the Lesser Sundas, from Bali east to Alor. Also introduced to the Cocos Islands. Dark, iridescent male is distinctive, with dark-centered orange and yellow feathers on the back and wings. Also note his bright blue-and pink comb and large red wattle. Female is dull brown with dark spotting, and also has a blackish tail and pale pinkish face; compare with female Red Junglefowl, which is warmer-colored overall, with more orangeish tones. Inhabits open forests, forest edges, and scrub from lowlands into foothills. Scratches about on the ground singly, or in small groups. Gives an incredibly hoarse crow: “krewwarewwah!”

Hoatzin

Hoatzin

Opisthocomus hoazin

Large, dumpy bird found around lake edges and slow-moving streams. Head looks too small for its large brown body. Its orange mohawk, blue facial skin, and stubby bill make this bird extremely distinctive. Usually found in groups or pairs. Moves clumsily around waterside vegetation, making loud huffing noises.

Start Your Bird Watching Journey

Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.