Key information
Common rosefinches (also known as the scarlet rosefinch) are sparrow-sized birds, mottled brown above with a streaked breast, pale belly and forked tail. Males, older than one year, have scarlet head, breast and rump. Females, juveniles and first year males have streaked brown heads and somewhat resemble small corn buntings. The species breeds across much of northern Asia and parts of eastern and central Europe and migrate south-east in winter. In the UK they have bred sporadically.
What they eat:
Seeds, buds and small invertebrates.
Measurements:
- Length:
- 14.5-15cm
- Wingspan:
- 22-26cm
- Weight:
- 21-27g
Population:
- UK breeding:
- 0-4 pairs
- UK passage:
- 146