General

Black Rosy-Finch: Medium-sized finch with black-brown breast, and back, and gray headband. Belly, rump, and wing patches are pink mixed with brown. Female is similar but not as pink.

Range and Habitat

Black Rosy-Finch: Breeds in the Rocky Mountains of southwestern Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming to northern Nevada and Utah; spends winters south to northern Arizona and New Mexico. Preferred habitats include alpine tundra and meadows; during winter is found in nearby lowlands.

Listen to Call

Voice Text

"cheep-cheep-cheep"

Interesting Facts

 The Black Rosy-Finch builds its nest inside cliff crevices and on large boulders between the elevations of 10,000 and 13,000 feet.

 Only three people known to recorded scientific literature had ever found a nest before Maureen Ryan attempted the challenge in the summer of 2002. Using geographic information systems (GIS) technology and strong mountaineering skills, the University of Wyoming student became the fourth – when she discovered a nest at an elevation of nearly 12,000 feet in Utah's Uinta Mountains.

 Their limited range and possible recent drop in population make it of conservation concern. In addition, there have been few systematic studies of this species because of the difficulty of accessing its habitat and nesting sites.

 A group of rosy-finches are collectively known as a "bouquet" of finches.

Author

Gary Owen Dick