Dark-breasted rosefinch facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Dark-breasted rosefinch
Male at 9,800 ft in East Sikkim of the state of Sikkim, India
Female at 6,500 ft in Khangchendzonga National Park, West Sikkim, India
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Genus:	Procarduelis
Species:	nipalensis

The dark-breasted rosefinch (Procarduelis nipalensis) is a beautiful type of finch bird. It's the only species in its group, called Procarduelis. You can find these birds in many countries across Asia, like Bhutan, China, India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Thailand, and Vietnam. They love living in cool, high places, like mountain forests and shrublands.

About the Dark-breasted Rosefinch

The dark-breasted rosefinch is known for its pretty colors. The male birds often have darker chests, which is how they got their name. They are a type of "true finch," which means they belong to a large family of birds known for their strong beaks, perfect for eating seeds.

How Scientists Classify Birds

Scientists group living things into categories. This helps us understand how different animals are related. This system is called taxonomy.

Changing Bird Families

The dark-breasted rosefinch used to be in a different bird group called Carpodacus. But scientists studied its DNA (the special code inside living things). They found that it was unique enough to have its own group, Procarduelis. This shows how science keeps learning new things!

Different Types of Rosefinches

Within the dark-breasted rosefinch family, there are a few slightly different types. These are called subspecies. They look a bit different depending on where they live.

• Himalayan Rosefinch (P. n. nipalensis): This type lives in the Himalayas, a huge mountain range. You can find them from Kumaon to Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, and parts of Tibet.
• Western Himalayan Rosefinch (P. n. kangrae): This type lives in the western parts of the Himalayas. You can see them from Kashmir to Garhwal.

Gallery

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  Male at 12,000 ft. from Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary, East Sikkim, India

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  Male at 9,500 ft. in Kullu - Manali District of Himachal Pradesh, India.

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  Female at 10,500 ft.in Kullu - Manali District of Himachal Pradesh, India

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  Male at 11,000 ft. in Kullu - Manali District of Himachal Pradesh, India