The Black Rosy-Finch

They’re not rare, but uncommon.

Difficult to find.

There are three types of Rosy-Finches. All nest above the treeline in the alpine tundra near remote glaciers and snowy meadows feeding on seeds and insects.  Brown-capped have been known to nest in old, abandoned mines.   Female Black Rosy-Finches select a spot on a cliff or rockslide that offers shelter from above. The nest is generally tucked beneath an overhanging rock or in a crevice. They are very difficult to find in the summertime, but in the winter they will descend to high elevations below treeline and can be found at bird feeders. While Black Rosy-Finches are not considered rare, in a flock of 200 Brown-capped Rosy-Finches you might be lucky to find one if any.  More about the other Rosy-Finches at a later date.