Desert Finch
Rhodospiza obsoleta
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Desert Finch is a small, sturdy bird with distinctive pink-tinged plumage in males. Its body is primarily light sandy brown, with darker streaks on the back and pink-edged wings. The rump may show a rosy pink wash, particularly vibrant during the breeding season.
Females lack the pink tinge and are duller overall and more uniformly brown. Both sexes have a thick, dark bill and a noticeable white wing bar, especially prominent in flight. The tail is also black.
Juveniles are similar to females, with duller brown wings and straw-yellow bills with dusky tips.
Size
Length
13cm to 14cm
Wingspan
24cm to 26cm
Weight
18g to 22g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Desert Finches inhabit arid and semi-arid regions across Central Asia, the Middle East, and parts of North Africa. They prefer open, dry habitats with sparse vegetation, including desert edges, steppes, and rocky hillsides.
During winter, some populations move to lower elevations or more southerly areas in search of food. They occasionally appear as rare vagrants in parts of Europe.
Elevation Range
Up to 2,000 meters
Climate zones
Arid, Semi-arid
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Desert Finch. 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
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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 Desert Finch demonstrates notable agility through its bouncy flight pattern and ability to perform aerial displays during courtship. Their capacity for rapid wing beats alternating with precise glides, combined with ground-hopping behaviour whilst foraging, indicates above-average manoeuvrability.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Whilst relatively small, the Desert Finch possesses a sturdy build and strong beak adapted for seed-cracking. Their size (13-14cm) and weight (18-22g) suggest moderate strength for their size class, sufficient for their feeding habits but not exceptional among finches.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Highly adaptable to extreme conditions, these birds thrive in areas with less than 100mm annual rainfall. Their ability to survive on minimal water intake, flexible diet incorporating both seeds and insects, and capacity to adjust their range seasonally demonstrates remarkable adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Generally social and peaceful, forming small flocks outside breeding season. Whilst males engage in courtship displays, they show limited territorial aggression. Their cooperative social structure suggests relatively low aggression levels compared to other species.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Desert Finch exhibits impressive endurance, surviving in harsh desert conditions and undertaking seasonal movements across arid landscapes. Their ability to maintain activity in extreme temperatures and traverse significant distances during partial migration indicates robust stamina.
Diet
The Desert Finch primarily feeds on seeds from various desert plants, including grasses and herbs. They supplement their diet with small insects, especially during the breeding season.
These birds are well-adapted to arid conditions and can survive on minimal water intake, often obtaining moisture from their food.
Behaviour
Desert Finches are social birds, often seen in small flocks outside the breeding season. They have a characteristic bouncy flight pattern, alternating between rapid wing beats and brief glides.
When foraging, they hop along the ground, picking seeds with their strong beaks, and occasionally engage in aerial displays during courtship.
Vocalisation
The Desert Finch's song is a pleasant, warbling melody, often described as a series of sweet, rolling notes. Their call is a soft, metallic 'tink' or 'pink', reminiscent of a tiny bell.
During courtship, males produce more elaborate and continuous songs, sometimes incorporating mimicry of other bird species.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Desert Finches typically occurs from March to July. Males perform elaborate courtship displays, including aerial manoeuvres and melodious singing, to attract females.
Nests are cup-shaped structures built in low bushes or rocky crevices, using grass, twigs, and plant fibres lined with softer materials like feathers or animal hair. Females lay 3-5 pale blue eggs with dark speckles.
Incubation lasts about 12-14 days and is primarily carried out by the female. Both parents feed the nestlings, who fledge after approximately 14-16 days but remain dependent on their parents for several more weeks.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Desert Finch is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces localised threats from habitat degradation due to overgrazing and climate change.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving arid ecosystems and maintaining water sources in desert regions to support this and other desert-dwelling species.
Population Data
Global Population Estimate
Not quantified, but considered common to locally common or erratic
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Desert Finches in arid, open habitats with scattered vegetation
- Listen for their melodious, warbling song, often delivered from a prominent perch
- Observe their distinctive white wing bars during flight
- Visit desert oases or areas with water sources, where they often gather to drink
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Desert Rosefinch, Lichtenstein's Desert Finch
Family:
FringillidaeAverage Lifespan
5 to 8 years [3]
Predators
Main predators include small raptors like falcons and hawks, as well as snakes and occasionally larger lizards that prey on eggs and nestlings.
Did You Know?
- Desert Finches can survive in areas receiving less than 100 mm of annual rainfall.
- Their pink colouration comes from carotenoid pigments in their diet.
- These birds play a role in seed dispersal in arid ecosystems.
References
- 3
other: Rough range estimate based on similar finches
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Rhodospiza obsoleta. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22720532A88509707.
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