Passeriformes / Fringillidae / Leucosticte
Asian Rosy Finch
Leucosticte arctoa · 粉红腹岭雀
Introduction
A species of finch (Leucosticte arctoa) in the family Fringillidae. Breeds in Mongolia and the East Palearctic; winters in Manchuria, Korea, Sakhalin, and Japan. Inhabits tundra and temperate grassland. Genetic studies reveal close relationship with three American rosy finch species, with the four often treated as conspecific. Exhibits migratory, partly migratory, and altitudinal movements.
Description
A stout, dark brown finch. Males across most of the range display black faces and throats, with wings and flanks suffused with pinkish coloration. The Yakutian subspecies is an exception, showing deeper brown wings without pink traces. Females are more muted in coloration, lacking the pink hues and presenting paler faces and throats compared to males.
Distribution & Habitat
Breeding range extends across Mongolia and the East Palearctic. Wintering areas include Manchuria, Korea, Sakhalin, and Japan. Inhabits rocky tundra and mountainous areas above the tree line during summer. The species displays complex movement patterns, being migratory, partly migratory, and altitudinal in its movements.
Behavior & Ecology
Feeds primarily on seeds, buds, and shoots, supplementing the diet with invertebrates. Breeding occurs between June and August, with breeding in coldest areas starting in July. The breeding biology remains poorly documented, with few nests ever found. Raises a single brood per season. Nests in loose colonies or as solitary pairs.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Fringillidae
- Genus
- Leucosticte
Subspecies (5)
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Leucosticte arctoa arctoa
Russian Altai
Data Sources
Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Bird images and sounds sourced from GBIF, contributed by citizen scientists worldwide under Creative Commons licenses.
Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.
