White-rumped Snowfinch
NameWhite-rumped Snowfinch
Common NameWhite-rumped Snowfinch
Scientific NameOnychostruthus taczanowskii
FamilyPasseridae
Wingspan (cm)30
Length (cm)16.5
Weight (g)30
Plumage DetailsThe White-rumped Snowfinch has an overall pale greyish-brown plumage. Its head is pale grey with a distinctive dark loral stripe extending through the eye, contrasted by a pale supercilium. The back and scapulars are streaked with dark brown, while the underparts are whitish to pale grey-brown. Its wings are dark with pale edgings, and it possesses a diagnostic white rump.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a variety of soft chirps and trills, often given while foraging or in flight. Some calls can have a slightly metallic or buzzing quality.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the high-altitude regions of the Tibetan Plateau and surrounding mountain ranges in Central Asia, including parts of China, India, Nepal, and Bhutan.
Identifying FeaturesPale greyish-brown plumage, Prominent dark loral/eye stripe, White supercilium, Streaked back, White rump, Ground-dwelling behavior in high-altitude environments
Description
This medium-sized snowfinch is characterized by its pale, streaky plumage and preference for high-altitude environments. It is typically observed foraging on the ground, often in small flocks, across open and rocky alpine landscapes.
