Crimson-winged Finch
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| Rhodopechys sanguinea (Gould, 1838) |
The Crimson-winged Finch (Rhodopechys sanguinea), is a pale-colored thickset finch with a heavy, dull yellowish bill. The nominate subspecies is found from Turkey to NW India. Another subspecies, alienus, is found in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. It has an average length of 13 cm. and a wingspan of ca. 32 cm. It is light brown overall, with a whitish mid-belly, a black cap and a pinkish pattern on the wings and tail. The female is slightly duller than the male.
This species lives on rocky mountainsides, often at high elevation. It can be found in barren landscapes with little vegetation, and sometimes nests in rock crevices. It feeds on seeds, and during the winter descends in flocks to agricultural fields to find food. The female lays and incubates 4 or 5 blue, lightly speckled eggs.
