Brown-capped Rosy-Finch
NameBrown-capped Rosy-Finch
Common NameBrown-capped Rosy-Finch
Scientific NameLeucosticte australis
FamilyFringillidae
Wingspan (cm)31.5
Length (cm)15.5
Weight (g)30
Plumage DetailsAdults feature a prominent brown cap, contrasting with grayish-brown plumage on the back and sides of the head. The underparts, rump, and wing linings display vibrant rosy-pink coloration, more intense in males. Wings and tail are dark brown with lighter edgings, and the bill is yellowish in winter, turning black in summer.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include sharp, buzzy 'chew' or 'jip' notes, often given in flight or while foraging. They also produce a more complex, chattering song during the breeding season.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsmountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Rocky Mountains of the United States, primarily breeding at very high elevations in Colorado, with populations extending into Wyoming and northern New Mexico. They descend slightly to lower elevations in winter but remain in mountainous terrain.
Identifying Featuresbrown cap, rosy-pink plumage on underparts and wings, stocky build, short, conical bill (yellowish in winter, black in summer), high-altitude alpine habitat, often seen on snowfields
Description
The Brown-capped Rosy-Finch is a stocky, medium-sized finch found in high-altitude alpine environments. It is characterized by its distinctive brown cap and rosy-pink plumage, often seen foraging on snowfields and rocky slopes.
