Black Rosy-Finch

leucosticte atrata

The Black Rosy-Finch is a resilient and captivating songbird that thrives where few other birds dare to venture: the wind-swept, high-altitude alpine zones of the western United States. Renowned for its extreme hardiness, this species nests in the crevices of sheer cliffs and rocky talus slopes, far above the treeline. During the brief alpine summer, they can be seen hopping across snowfields to harvest cold-stunned insects. As winter descends, these high-country specialists undergo an altitudinal migration, moving down into mountain valleys and basin shrublands, often forming swirling, highly active flocks with other rosy-finch species. Their survival in such unforgiving terrains makes them an exciting find for birdwatchers and a symbol of montane endurance.

Habitat: Typically found breeding on rocky alpine tundra, talus slopes, and cliffs above the treeline, shifting to lower elevation valleys and plains in winter.

Appearance

This medium-sized finch measures about 14 to 17 centimeters in length and is easily distinguished by its striking, dark coloration. It features a body of deep charcoal-black that contrasts beautifully with bright pink or rosy washes on its wings, rump, and lower belly. A prominent, light gray band wraps around the back of its black crown, giving it a hooded appearance. Females and juveniles are overall more muted, with grayish-brown bodies, but they still retain subtle pink highlights on their wings and tail. Its stout, conical bill is black during the breeding season but turns a dull yellow with a dark tip in the winter.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyFringillidaeGenusLeucosticte

Black Rosy-Finch

Interesting facts

During winter storms, they descend in large, synchronized flocks that can contain thousands of individual birds representing multiple rosy-finch species.

Their nests are typically built so deep within rock crevices that they are completely shielded from wind, rain, and most predators.

They are one of the highest-altitude nesting birds in North America, with nests documented well above 11,000 feet.

Special abilities

Possesses a specialized pouch under the tongue that allows it to store and transport seeds and insects over long distances to feed its young.

Utilizes stark alpine snowfields as natural traps, efficiently spotting and collecting wind-blown insects that become frozen and immobilized on the snow.

Adapted to low-oxygen environments with specialized cardiovascular systems, enabling active foraging and breeding at elevations exceeding 11,000 feet.

Measurements & details

Length: 14+ cm
Wingspan: 30+ cm
Weight: 0.022+ kg
Lifespan: 5+ years
Top Speed: 40 km/h
Clutch Size: 3+
Incubation: 12+ days
Migration Distance: 300 km

Diet & Feeding

Mainly eats seeds and insects, heavily relying on wind-blown insects trapped on high-altitude snowfields during the breeding season, transitioning to seeds in winter.

Age differences: Chicks are fed a protein-rich mixture of insects and seeds transported in the parents' throat pouches, while adults eat a higher percentage of seeds in the winter months.

Primary Foods

Grass seeds
Sedge seeds
Craneflies
Beetles
Ants

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Prairie Falcon

Falco mexicanus

Preys on adult rosy-finches, especially when they are foraging in open alpine areas.

competitor

Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch

Leucosticte tephrocotis

Forms mixed-species winter foraging flocks and competes for similar alpine seed resources.

eaten by

Common Raven

Corvus corax

Frequently raids the nests of high-altitude songbirds, consuming eggs and nestlings.

Traits

No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Black Rosy-Finch?

The easiest way to identify Black Rosy-Finch is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Black Rosy-Finch?

14+ cm

What is Black Rosy-Finch's wingspan?

30+ cm

How much does Black Rosy-Finch weigh?

0.022+ kg

How long does Black Rosy-Finch live?

5+ years

How fast can Black Rosy-Finch move?

40 km/h

What does Black Rosy-Finch eat?

Mainly eats seeds and insects, heavily relying on wind-blown insects trapped on high-altitude snowfields during the breeding season, transitioning to seeds in winter.

Where is Black Rosy-Finch usually found?

Typically found breeding on rocky alpine tundra, talus slopes, and cliffs above the treeline, shifting to lower elevation valleys and plains in winter.