The pink-browed rosefinch, scientifically known as Carpodacus rodochroa, is a member of the Fringillidae family. Described by Nicholas Aylward Vigors in 1831, this migratory species inhabits the northern regions of the Indian subcontinent, particularly the Himalayas. Its range extends across Pakistan, Nepal, India, Tibet, and Bhutan, where it thrives in boreal forests, meadows, shrublands, and dry woods.

The male pink-browed rosefinch boasts a vibrant raspberry pink color, accented by a “browed” facial design and subtle streaking on the back. Females, on the other hand, are brown with buffy streaks on their underparts, prominent white eyebrows, pale cheeks, and a lightly streaked throat.

With a body length of 14-15 cm and weighing between 16-20 grams, the rosefinch is a medium-sized bird. Its slim body, sharp beak, notched tail, and dark eyes contribute to its distinctive look. The male’s face features a “browed” design and eyestripe, with a mauve upper belly and breаst, and reddish-brown underparts. The legs are light brown, and the underbelly is white or very pale pink.

Females typically lack the pink hue, appearing in shades of brown to black with faint pink streaks. Their nape and crown are a deeper gray, and they have white eyebrows instead of the male’s facial patterns. The lower throat also bears dark brown stripes.

Juveniles resemble females more than males, with a brownish appearance and faint pink. By their second winter, breeding males develop reddish-brown plumage with heavily streaked underparts.

The pink-browed rosefinch is found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, shrublands, and even human-altered environments. Its range spans Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, and Pakistan, from 1,800 to 4,540 meters in elevation.

The pink-browed rosefinch engages in short-distance migrations, moving between lower and higher altitudes depending on the season. Its population trend is stable, with a generation length of 4.1 years, and it is categorized as of least concern for extinction rιsk.