Family: Fringillidae, Finches view all from this family

Description 5 3/4-6 1/2" (15-17 cm). Mostly light brown, without gray crown patch of closely related Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch and Black Rosy-Finch. Rump, wing, and belly pinkish rose. Female chiefly brown. Both sexes have blackish bills.

Habitat Alpine tundra and meadows; winters in nearby lowlands.

Nesting 3-5 white eggs in a cup nest in a rock crevice or on a hidden, covered ledge.

Range Resident in southern Rocky Mountains from southeastern Wyoming to northern New Mexico. Descends to lower elevations near breeding areas in winter.

Voice   A series of low cheep notes are uttered to maintain contact in the flock. In the mating season the male gives a similar song during a long, circular, undulating flight.

Discussion Winter flocks are noisy with the sound of twittering; upon alighting, these finches hop over the ground looking for seeds. Trusting birds, they let observers come close.