Common Rosefinch
Carpodacus erythrinus
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Common Rosefinch exhibits striking sexual dimorphism. Breeding males display a vibrant raspberry-red head, breast, and rump, contrasting with brown wings and tail. Their plumage becomes duller outside the breeding season.
Females and juveniles have an overall brown colouration with subtle streaking. Both sexes have stout, conical beaks adapted for seed-eating and relatively short tails.
Size
Length
13cm to 15cm
Wingspan
22cm to 26cm
Weight
19g to 27g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Common Rosefinches inhabit many habitats, including open woodlands, forest edges, scrublands, and even parks and gardens. They breed across northern Europe and Asia, from Scandinavia to Japan.
During winter, they migrate to southern Asia, including India and Southeast Asia. They are rare visitors in the UK, occasionally spotted during migration periods.
Elevation Range
Up to 2,700 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subarctic
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Common Rosefinch. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
This feature is in beta. We'd love your feedback to improve it!
Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Common Rosefinch displays considerable agility, evident in its quick, agile movements whilst foraging and the males' elaborate flight displays during courtship. Their ability to navigate through vegetation swiftly suggests above-average manoeuvrability for a small songbird.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a small songbird, the Common Rosefinch possesses moderate strength relative to its size. Its stout, conical beak allows for efficient seed-cracking, indicating some degree of strength, but overall, it's not particularly powerful compared to larger bird species.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
The Common Rosefinch demonstrates high adaptability, thriving in diverse habitats from sea level up to 2,700 metres elevation. Its ability to inhabit various environments, from woodlands to urban areas, and its long-distance migration habits showcase remarkable adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
While not typically aggressive, male Common Rosefinches establish and defend territories during breeding season. Their behaviour during this period may involve some aggression, but overall, they are not known for being particularly combative birds.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Common Rosefinch's long-distance migratory behaviour, spanning from northern Europe and Asia to southern Asia, indicates substantial endurance. Their ability to survive in varied climates and altitudes further supports a good endurance rating, though it's not exceptional compared to some other migratory species.
Diet
The Common Rosefinch primarily feeds on seeds, buds, and fruits. It has a particular fondness for berries and will also consume small insects, especially when feeding young. Its strong beaks allow it to crack open tough seeds efficiently.
Behaviour
Common Rosefinches are often seen perched prominently while singing. They forage in small flocks, moving through vegetation with quick, agile movements.
During courtship, males perform elaborate flight displays, ascending high before descending in spirals while singing.
Vocalisation
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Common Rosefinches typically begins in late May or early June. Males establish territories and attract females with their melodious songs and vibrant plumage.
Nests are built by females, usually in shrubs or small trees. They are cup-shaped structures made of twigs, grass, and rootlets lined with finer materials. A clutch typically consists of 4-6 pale blue eggs with dark speckles.
Incubation lasts about 11-13 days, and the female primarily performs it. Both parents feed the nestlings, which fledge after approximately 12-14 days but remain dependent on their parents for several more weeks.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While listed as Least Concern globally, the Common Rosefinch faces localised threats from habitat loss and climate change. Conservation efforts focus on preserving diverse habitats across its range, particularly in breeding areas.
Birdwatching Tips
- Listen for their distinctive, sweet whistling song
- Look for males perched on exposed branches during the breeding season
- Check scrubby areas and forest edges in appropriate habitats
- Observe foraging behaviour in small flocks outside the breeding season
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Did You Know?
- The Common Rosefinch can imitate the calls of other bird species.
- Their red plumage is derived from carotenoid pigments in their diet.
- In some parts of their range, they are considered agricultural pests due to their fondness for fruit crops.
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2017. Carpodacus erythrinus (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T22720556A111130806.
View source - 3
report, 2015: EBCC
Share Your Feedback
We value your opinion! Let us know what you think about this bird page.