Black Rosy-Finch Identification

The Four Keys to ID

• Size & Shape

  Medium-sized chunky finch with a conical bill and a notched tail.

  Relative Size

  Larger than a Pine Siskin, smaller than an Evening Grosbeak.

  sparrow-sized or smaller

  Measurements

  • Both Sexes
  • • Length: 5.5-6.3 in (14-16 cm)
    • Weight: 0.8-1.1 oz (22-32 g)
    • Wingspan: 13.0 in (33 cm)

  © Eric Hynes / Macaulay Library

• Color Pattern

  Breeding birds are blackish overall with pink highlights on the wings and lower belly, and a gray crown. Nonbreeding birds are brownish instead of black, but still have the same pink highlights as breeding birds. The bill on breeders is black and is yellow on nonbreeders.

• Behavior

  Picks insects and seeds from the ground often at the edges of melting snow in meadows or along roadsides. Forms large flocks during the winter, with individuals often leapfrogging over each other as they work a patch of food.
• Habitat

  Breeds in alpine areas, usually near rock piles and cliffs. Winters in open country, including mountain meadows, high deserts, valleys, and plains.