Przevalski's finch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Przevalski's finch |
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Urocynchramus
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pylzowi
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The Przevalski's finch (Urocynchramus pylzowi) is a special bird. It is also called the Przewalski's finch or Przevalski's pinktail. This bird lives only in the mountains of central-west China. It is a type of passerine bird, which means it is a perching bird.
This bird is named after Mikhail Pyltsov. He was a Russian explorer. Mikhail Pyltsov went on an expedition with Nikolai Przhevalsky. They found and collected samples of this bird.
For a long time, scientists were not sure where this bird fit in the bird family tree. Because of this, it had other names. Some people called it the pink-tailed bunting. Others called it the Przewalski's rosefinch.
In the year 2000, scientists suggested something new. They said this bird is not a true finch or a bunting. Instead, it is the only member of its own special family. This family is called Urocynchramidae. This idea was actually first suggested a long time ago. Janusz von Domaniewski thought of it in 1918. Later, a scientist named Wolters also suggested it in 1979. This new family grouping is now used in bird checklists.
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What Does Przevalski's Finch Look Like?
The Przevalski's finch is a small bird. It looks a bit like the long-tailed rosefinch. But it has some unique features.
Tail and Feathers
Its tail is long. It is also "graduated," which means the outer feathers are much shorter. This is different from most finches.
The males and females look different. This is called sexual dimorphism. Male birds have bright pink feathers. These pink feathers are on their throat, chest, and belly. Both male and female birds have brown streaked feathers. These streaks are on their back and wings.
Beak and Wings
The bird's bill is thinner. It is not as thick as the bills of rosefinches.
One very important feature helps scientists identify this bird. It is the outer primary feather on its wing. In finches and buntings, this feather is very small. It is almost like it's not there. But in the Przevalski's finch, this feather is much longer. It is about two-thirds the length of the next feather. This special feather helps show it belongs to its own family.
Where Does Przevalski's Finch Live?
This bird lives in high places. It can be found at elevations between 3,050 and 5,000 meters (about 10,000 to 16,400 feet). That's very high up in the mountains!
During the time they have babies, they usually live in pairs. In the winter, they gather in small groups.
What Do We Know About Its Life?
The explorer Przhevalsky said the bird's song sounds like a bunting's song. Scientists have not studied this bird much in the wild. So, we don't know a lot about how it behaves.
People do not think that human activities are a big threat to this bird. The IUCN Red List lists it as "least concern." This means it is not currently in danger of disappearing.
