Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch

Overview

Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch: Medium finch with brown body and pink on shoulders, flanks, and belly. Forehead is dark brown. The black bill turns yellow with a dark tip in the winter. Back of head and belly have gray patches. Forages in bushes, trees and on ground for seeds and insects. Bounding flight.

Range and Habitat

Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch: Breeds from Alaska to California and descends to lower elevations near breeding areas in the winter. Prefers alpine tundra and high snowfields; winters in nearby lowlands.

INTERESTING FACTS

Perhaps because of its remote breeding sites, the Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch seems almost fearless.
On its breeding grounds, foraging birds can be approached to within 3-6 feet.
At one time, this bird, the Black Rosy Finch and the Brown-capped Rosy Finch were considered to be the same species: the Asian Rosy Finch.
A group of rosy-finches are collectively known as a "bouquet" of finches.

The Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch is a medium-sized bird which was once considered to be the same species as the Asian Rosy Finch. This species breeds on rocky islands and open spaces on mountains. They range from Alaska to the northwestern United States. Nests are built in a cup shape, and are on the ground or cliff. Usually, the Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch is a permanent resident of some islands and the Canadian Rockies. Some populations migrate during winter months to the western United States. They forage for food on the ground and catch insects while flying. Diets consist of seeds and insects. The conservation rating for the Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch is Least Concern.