Great Rosefinch

Carpodacus rubicilla (Güldenstädt, 1775)

		male female
2015-07-03 Morena glacier near Big Aktru (height 2700) - Altai, the North-Chuya ridge 2015-07-04 South-eastern slope of the pass, "Teacher" (Altai, Severo-Chuyskiy ridge, Aktru Gorge)	© Denis Solomakhin © Denis Solomakhin

Biology

Rare winter visitor, or may be very rare resident. In winter inhabits deciduous forest with scrubs, especially places with bastard acacia, forest-belts and gardens. In summer it was observed on alpine meadow among large boulders and rocky outcrops. Appears in end November in small groups and flocks up to 30-50 birds. Latest recorded in early March. At Chokpak Pass 20-21 October 1970 singles observed in forest-belt, one was caught 12 April 1970. On Pamir at 4100 m the nest found in rock crack 26 July 1960. It was made from twigs, grass and rootlets lined with lay of hair. It contained 5 heavy incubated blue rare spotted eggs, fledglings observed in end August.

References