Black Rosy-Finch
Leucosticte atrata
A dark, blackish-brown alpine finch of western North America's highest peaks, set off by rosy-pink wing feathering and a grey crown patch.
- Feather type
- Dense, soft alpine body plumage
- Colours
- Blackish-brown body, pink wing and rump feathering, grey crown patch
- Bird size
- Medium finch, ~14-16 cm
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Overview
Overview
The Black Rosy-Finch breeds at very high elevations in isolated mountain ranges of the western United States, among the darkest and most restricted-range members of the rosy-finch group. Its blackish-brown body plumage, contrasted with rosy-pink feathering on the wings and rump, sets it apart from the browner-bodied Grey-crowned Rosy-Finch found in overlapping regions.
A pale grey patch on the crown provides an additional identification feature shared with some related species, though the overall darker body tone is the most immediately noticeable difference.
Identifying the Feather
Feather Identification
- Body feathers: blackish-brown overall, darker than related rosy-finch species.
- Head feathers: black forehead with a grey patch across the crown and nape.
- Wing and rump feathers: washed with rosy-pink, prominent in flight.
- Distinguishing from similar species: the notably darker, blackish-brown body separates this species from the browner Grey-crowned Rosy-Finch and the cinnamon-toned Brown-capped Rosy-Finch.
Plumage & Molt
Plumage Details
Adults show a blackish-brown body plumage, a black forehead, and a pale grey patch across the crown and nape, with rosy-pink feathering along the wings and rump. Sexes are similar, with females typically slightly duller overall. Juveniles and non-breeding birds show reduced pink tones and a less contrasting head pattern.
Habitat & Range
Habitat & Range
Black Rosy-Finches breed at high elevations in a limited number of mountain ranges in the western United States, including parts of the Great Basin region, favoring alpine tundra and rocky cliffs above the treeline. Populations move to lower elevations during winter, sometimes forming mixed flocks with other rosy-finch species.
Behavior & Field Notes
Behavior & Field Notes
This species feeds on seeds and insects found among alpine vegetation, bare rock, and snowfields, often foraging in flocks outside the breeding season. Nests are built in crevices among cliffs or talus slopes. The combination of a notably dark, blackish-brown body and rosy-pink wing feathering, along with the grey crown patch, are the key features distinguishing this species from other rosy-finches in mixed winter flocks.
Frequently asked questions
What color is the Black Rosy-Finch's body plumage?
An overall blackish-brown, darker than related rosy-finch species, contrasted with rosy-pink feathering on the wings and rump.
How can you tell this species apart from the Grey-crowned Rosy-Finch?
The Black Rosy-Finch has a distinctly darker, blackish-brown body, whereas the Grey-crowned Rosy-Finch shows a browner overall tone.
Where does the Black Rosy-Finch breed?
At high elevations in a limited number of mountain ranges in the western United States, including parts of the Great Basin.
Do Black Rosy-Finches form mixed flocks with other species?
Yes, especially during winter when they may join flocks alongside other rosy-finch species at lower elevations.
Black Rosy-Finch guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Black Rosy-Finch.
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