Desert Finch
Rhodospiza obsoleta
This subtly handsome finch is unique in its range; warm sandy brown with bright pink and silver flashes in the wings. Sexes are similar, but the male boasts a restricted black mask extending from the front of the eye to the base of the stout charcoal-black bill, which the female lacks. Not restricted to deserts but generally does prefer dry, open areas in middle to high altitude regions. Frequents villages, towns, and even cities. Gives a tumbling series of random-sounding notes, usually with a rather hoarse, buzzy quality. Calls include “chip” and “chink” notes and buzzy wheezes.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Rhodospiza obsoleta
- Authority
- (Lichtenstein, MHC, 1823)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Fringillidae
- Genus
- Rhodospiza
Range and habitat
- Breeding range
- PAL : temperate to subtropical sc, c Palearctic in dry scrub, orchards, gardens: se Turkey e through s Kazakhstan, w, n Xinjiang (nw China), far sw Mongolia to c Inner Mongolia (nc China); in s to Sinai Pen., c Saudi Arabia, se Iran, n Afghanistan and nc Pakistan
- Non-breeding range
- short-range southward movements
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Hainan Partridge
Arborophila ardens
Small game bird restricted to the tropical rainforests of southern Hainan Island, where it is the only forest-dwelling partridge. Body is brown above and gray below; head is black with a bright white ear patch and an orange collar. Unlikely to be confused with the only other game bird in its habitat, the Hainan Peacock Pheasant, which is far larger and gray all over. Shy and far more often heard than seen; ringing song is often heard at dawn.
Ashy Woodswallow
Artamus fuscus
A chunky, large-headed bird of open areas, usually found perched on wires or flying around in search of insects. Soft gunmetal gray with white underparts. Often found pressed together in pairs or tight groups when at rest. Sometimes flies in the same areas as swallows and swifts, but has a much thicker build, with triangular, somewhat starling-like wings. The only woodswallow throughout most of its range. Song is a somewhat myna-like series of sweet warbling and harsh chattering. Also gives nasal scolding “nyeh”, comparable to a jay or treepie.
Philippine Pitta
Erythropitta erythrogaster
A plump, short-tailed, long-legged terrestrial bird with a red belly, a black throat, a blue chest band, and a ruddy-colored head. Juvenile is dull brown with blue in rump and tail and a horn-colored bill with a pale tip and base. Singles or pairs inhabit forest, degraded patches, and bamboo thickets in lowlands and hills. Differs from Whiskered Pitta in smaller size, black throat, lack of a pale whisker, and more extensive ruddy head coloration. Song is a two-part quivering whistle, the first part rising, the second mournfully descending: “waaaaaaopop-aaaaawwwwwow.” Also gives a piercing “whit” alarm call.
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