Common rosefinch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Common rosefinch |
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| Male from Neora Valley National Park, West Bengal, India | |
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| Female at Baur reservoir in Uttarakhand, India | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Carpodacus
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| Species: |
erythrinus
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| Range of C. erythrinus Breeding Non-breeding | |
| Synonyms | |
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Erythrina erythrina |
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The common rosefinch (Carpodacus erythrinus) is a beautiful bird. It is also known as the scarlet rosefinch. This bird is the most common type of rosefinch found across Asia and Europe.
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What's in a Name?
The name of the common rosefinch tells us a bit about it. The first part of its scientific name, Carpodacus, comes from Ancient Greek words. Karpos means "fruit" and dakno means "to bite". This suggests the bird likes to eat fruits.
The second part, erythrinus, comes from the Latin word erythros. This word means "red". This makes sense because male rosefinches are often a bright red color!
Appearance of the Rosefinch
The common rosefinch is a small bird. It is about 13 to 15 centimeters (5 to 6 inches) long. It has a strong, cone-shaped beak.
Male Rosefinches
Adult male rosefinches are very colorful. Their head, chest, and rump (the area above their tail) are a bright rosy-red color. Their wings are dark brown and have two faint stripes. Their belly is white.
Female and Young Rosefinches
Female rosefinches and young males look different. They are not as brightly colored. They are yellowish-brown on their upper parts. Their rump is a bit brighter, and their head is greyer. Their underside is a light buff color.
Changing Colors
Adult rosefinches change their feathers between September and November. This happens in the places where they spend the winter. After this change, the red color of the male birds is not as bright. But as winter goes on, their feathers wear down. This makes their red color look even brighter!
Rare Yellow Rosefinches
Sometimes, you might see a rare common rosefinch that is yellow instead of red. This yellow color is not due to their genes. It is caused by what they eat and if they have certain parasites.
Where They Live
The common rosefinch has spread across Europe. In recent years, it has even been seen in Portugal. It has even nested in England once!
Breeding Areas
These birds breed in many places. They can be found from the Danube valley in Europe to Sweden and Siberia. Their breeding range extends all the way to the Bering Sea. They also breed in the Caucasus mountains, northern Iran, Afghanistan, the western Himalayas, Tibet, and China. You can find them in Japan too, between certain latitudes.
Winter Homes
In winter, common rosefinches fly to warmer places. They are found from southern Iran to southeast China. They also spend winter in India, Burma, and Indochina. Sometimes, a rosefinch might even visit Sri Lanka by accident.
Their Favorite Spots
In summer, you can find common rosefinches in thick bushes. They also like the edges of woodlands and forests, especially near rivers. In winter, they often visit gardens and orchards. They can also be found in wetlands and sometimes in dry oak woods.
How They Behave
Common rosefinches build their nests low down in bushes. Their eggs are a dark blue color. They have rough, dark brown spots. A typical nest usually holds about five eggs.
