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Brown-capped rosy finch facts for kids

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Brown-capped rosy finch
Brown-capped rosy finch.jpg
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Genus:
Leucosticte
Species:
australis
Leucosticte australis map.svg
blue: breeding; yellow: wintering

The brown-capped rosy finch (Leucosticte australis) is a medium-sized finch that lives only in North America. It is a special bird found mostly in the high mountains.

Brown-capped Rosy-finch
Sandia Peak - New Mexico

Meet the Brown-Capped Rosy Finch

This finch is easy to spot! Adults have a brown head, back, and chest. Their belly, rump, and wings are a pretty pink color. They also have a black forehead. These birds have short black legs and a long, split tail.

Where Do Rosy Finches Live?

Brown-capped rosy finches love the mountains! Their home is usually on high mountain peaks in the central Rocky Mountains of the United States. They build their nests in hidden spots. They often choose a small hole in a cliff. Sometimes, they even use old nests left behind by cliff swallows.

Traveling for Winter

When winter comes, these finches don't fly far. They migrate short distances to lower places. This helps them find food and stay warmer during the cold months.

What Do Rosy Finches Eat?

These birds are always looking for food on the ground. They mainly eat seeds from different weeds and grasses. They also enjoy eating insects. Sometimes, they even fly to catch insects in the air! Brown-capped rosy finches often feed together in small groups.

Rosy Finch Family

Long ago, people thought that all three types of North American rosy finches were the same species. Now we know they are different, but they are still related!

Protecting These Birds

Sadly, the number of brown-capped rosy finches seems to be going down. It's important to protect their mountain homes so these beautiful birds can continue to thrive.

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See Also

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