Carpodacus subhimachalus
The Crimson-browed Finch (*Carpodacus subhimachalus*) is a striking and relatively large member of the true finch family (Fringillidae), known for its adaptation to the rugged high-altitude environments of the Himalayas. Males are instantly recognizable by their vivid crimson-red supercilium (brow) that extends behind the eye, contrasting sharply with their brown, streaked upperparts and a rosy-pink throat and breast. They typically measure around 19-20 cm (7.5-7.9 inches) in length, possessi...
Found in subalpine and alpine scrub, rhododendron thickets, and juniper forests, typically at elevations between 3,000 and 4,800 meters during the breeding season.
Primarily granivorous, feeding on seeds from high-altitude plants, berries (especially juniper), rhododendron buds, and occasionally small insects, especially during the breeding season.
Crimson-browed Finches are generally observed singly, in pairs, or in small, loose flocks outside the breeding season, often mingling with other high-altitude finches. They forage primarily on the ground among dense undergrowth or within shrubs, actively gleaning seeds, buds, and berries. During ...
The Crimson-browed Finch is endemic to the Himalayan mountain range and its foothills, extending across a vast, high-altitude arc. Its breeding range primarily spans the subalpine and alpine zones from Uttarakhand in northern India, eastward through Nepal and Bhutan, across the Indian state of Ar...
Least Concern
- The Crimson-browed Finch possesses one of the most distinctly marked superciliums among all finch species, giving it its namesake. - It is one of the larger rosefinch species, often described as 'chunky' compared to its more delicate relatives. - Despite its vibrant coloration, it is notoriousl...