Fauna
Bird

Great Rosefinch

Carpodacus rubicilla

Also known as Caucasian Great Rosefinch

Great rosefinches inhabit cold, desolate mountain slopes and alpine meadows across Central Asia at elevations up to 5,000 meters. Males feature striking deep pink to raspberry-red plumage sprinkled with tiny white frost-like spots on the breast, while females remain cryptically streaked in brown. During severe winter storms, small flocks descend to lower river valleys and shrubby gorges in search of wind-scattered seeds.

AlpineSongbirdHigh Altitude
Great Rosefinch reference1 / 7
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAlpine seeds, Plant buds, Berries
Predators
  • Falcons
  • Owls
  • Mustelids
ThreatsClimate change, habitat degradation from overgrazing
HabitatsAlpine meadows, rocky scree slopes, montane scrub
Life span5–8 years
Classification
  1. FamilyFringillidae
  2. SpeciesCarpodacus rubicilla
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Patience in Scree: Scan barren, rocky slopes at high elevations where their pink plumage blends with sunrise light.
  • Listen for Calls: Listen for loud, whistling flight calls bouncing off mountain canyon walls.
Related species
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