Passeriformes / Passeridae / Pyrgilauda
Rufous-necked Snowfinch
Pyrgilauda ruficollis · 棕颈雪雀
Introduction
A species of bird in the sparrow family found in Tibet and adjacent areas of central and western China, as well as parts of the Himalayas. It inhabits alpine temperate grasslands, barren stony steppes, and plateaus. Distinctive traits include a high metabolic rate, tolerance for low temperatures, and a close ecological association with pikas for breeding.
Description
Adults measure around 15 cm. They have black lores and whitish faces, contrasted by chestnut or reddish-brown rear ear-coverts and sides of the neck. The rest of the plumage is light brown, streaked darker on the mantle and scapulars. Wings feature two white wingbars formed by the tips of the coverts. Juveniles are paler than adults and lack a well-defined face pattern.
Identification
Distinguished from Blanford's snowfinch by two black stripes on the face. Emits buzzing noises while flying. Flight style is weak and low, rarely covering long distances.
Distribution & Habitat
Naturally found in Tibet and adjacent areas of central and western China. Winters south to Uttarakhand, Nepal, Sikkim, and Bhutan, sometimes at lower altitudes. Habitat includes wide, open steppe meadows, pastures, alpine temperate grasslands, barren stony steppes, plateaus, and areas near human settlements. Mainly sedentary with irregular altitudinal movements in response to bad weather; no long-distance migration.
Behavior & Ecology
Locally very common during the breeding season, often found in close association with mouse-hares or pikas, using their burrows for breeding and hiding. Post-breeding, it forms small flocks and ranges over mountainous terrain with other finches. Feeds on the ground on small seeds and insects. Vocalizations include a soft voice, a chattering alarm call, and buzzing noises during flight.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Passeridae
- Genus
- Pyrgilauda
Subspecies (2)
-
Pyrgilauda ruficollis isabellina
breeds western China (southern Xinjiang to northwestern Qinghai); winters to India
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.
