Rosy finches can survive in adverse conditions.
Three species of rosy finches exist in the United States: the black rosy finch, the gray-crowned rosy finch and the brown-capped rosy finch. The medium-size birds reside throughout mountainous regions. They choose to breed and nest above the timberline in the often snow-shrouded, rocky landscape. Within the adverse landscape, the rosy finch forages for seeds and insects on the ground. A throat pouch develops in the finches during the breeding season, which enables them to carry food considerable distances back to their nesting young.
Black Rosy Finch
The black rosy finch has black on its neck, forehead, back, breast and face. Its rump, belly and wings reveal a soft, rosy coloration. The rest of its body has muted gray shades. The black rosy finch resides high in the mountains of the central United States. During the winter months, the birds gather in communal groups within the shelter of caves, mine shafts or vacant barns. The birds will also utilize old swallow nests for winter shelter. The hostile terrain where the birds reside makes it difficult to study the species. In 2002, three researchers were able to observe the birds nesting, according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Gray-Crowned Rosy Finch
The habitat of gray-crowned rosy finch reaches from California all the way to Alaska and into the Plains states. It also lives in the Aleutian and Pribilof islands. A medium-size gray bird, it has rosy shades on its rump, belly and wings. It also sports a black strip across its forehead. Six subspecies of the gray-crowned rosy finch exist. The birds that reside on the Aleutian and Pribilof islands weigh twice as much as other species. Nesting occurs on rocky terrain beside snowfields and glaciers. The gray-crowned rosy finch does not seek shelter during the winter but survives out in the open.
Brown-Capped Rosy Finch
The brown-capped rosy finch occurs predominately in the mountains of Colorado. A reddish-brown in color, the bird has a pink rump, wings and belly. Its forehead has a black feathered area. The female undertakes the construction of the nest with no help from the male. It takes her about three days to complete but can take considerably longer. She lines her nest with soft feathers and fur that she finds. The female always constructs her nest in the shade, usually within rocky crevices. The birds spend the winter months out in the open.
Rosy Finch Information
Rosy finches have monogamous mating habits. Females usually lay three to five eggs. Both parents undertake the task of feeding and caring for the young. The birds nest in remote places, which makes it difficult for scientists to locate the nests and study the birds. The eggs usually hatch about 14 days after the female lays them. The baby birds will leave the nest at approximately 22 days old, but will continue to reside with their parents. They will usually search for food together as the young birds reach maturity. Rosy finches maintain a stable population within the United States.
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