Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...
A photo of a Desert Finch (Rhodospiza obsoleta)
Desert Finch

Desert Finch

Rhodospiza obsoleta

The desert finch, or Rhodospiza obsoleta, sometimes referred to as Lichtenstein's desert finch, is a robust true finch of considerable size, cloaked in shades of brown, and graced with a distinctive rosy-pink flourish upon each wing. This bird, with its stout black bill, is a striking figure in its arid domain.

Identification Tips

Adult desert finches exhibit a wingspan averaging 26 centimeters. The males and females are similar in color pattern, though the female may appear somewhat more subdued. Key identification features include the stout black bill, contrasting black and white flight feathers (remiges and rectrices), and the characteristic rosy-pink slash adorning each wing.

Habitat

The desert finch is a denizen of the desert, particularly favoring locales where water is accessible. However, its range extends to low mountains, foothills, and cultivated valleys, demonstrating a degree of adaptability to various arid landscapes.

Distribution

This species is found across southern Eurasia, where it has adapted to life in a range of arid environments.

Behaviour

Desert finches are sedentary birds, showing little inclination to migrate, save for some local movements. They are sociable creatures, often seen in large flocks, either consisting solely of their kind or mingling in mixed finch flocks. These gatherings are particularly common near rural and remote human settlements, where the birds find sustenance and sanctuary.

Breeding

Come spring, the desert finch selects trees for nesting, with a preference for fruit trees within orchards. The female lays a clutch of 4 to 6 pale green, lightly speckled eggs, which she then dutifully incubates.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the desert finch is primarily seed-based, though it does not eschew the occasional insect, making for a varied diet that supports its needs in the often harsh desert environment.

Conservation status

The desert finch is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a stable population without immediate threats to its survival.

App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

Desert Finches on Birda

Sightings
A map showing the sighting location
🦉
Jeremie Berlioux
24 May 2023 - 4:16pm
Kazakhstan

More Finches, Euphonias

A photo of a Lesser Redpoll (Acanthis cabaret) , male

Lesser Redpoll

Acanthis cabaret
Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Talli A
My favourite app
As a young birdwatcher who was always keen to be apart of a community but never seemed to find one, my problem was solved downloading this!!! Everyone is so friendly and just as excited to see birds as me 😁
Safira V
Birding and wellbeing app
Birda is an excellent platform to share your love of Birding and is a great tool of encouragement for a Birding Beginner like me. Birda has a very kind and supportive community of Birding enthusiasts. For me BIRDA is not only a BIRDING but also a WELLBEING App.
Sacha0508
Simply fantastic
I love this app, it puts so much fun into recording the birds I’ve seen and heard while I’m out and about. The interface is user-friendly and suitable for all ages. It’s great to collect badges and to review my “lists”.
Foxgirl100
Great app for beginner twitchers
I’ve had a passion of photographing birds for a long time now but have only just gotten into proper birdwatching, and this app is brilliant for those just getting started. There is a great sense of community among users and the app is very easy to use and professional. Awesome app altogether
Bryan C
Clean and easy to use
Really enjoying this app, it's clean and easy to use. I love the ease of being able to add those one-off birds without starting a whole checklist. I also like the social aspect, like the parts of my Facebook I like, without the ads and junk, just birds. Can't wait to see it become more populated.
Alex J
Friendly and helps to identify birds
Great birding app, good for logging your sightings, also has nice species guide. I'm enjoying the social aspect more than I expected, everyone seems friendly and helps to identify unknown birds. Good mix of newbies and experienced users.
David C
Very knowledgeable group
Nice friendly birding community. Very knowledgeable group with a willingness to help.
Tralisalandhoop
Fantastic app - Love it!
Love this app and have used it almost daily. Lots of species information and easy to use. Love seeing birds spotted by other users in the UK and worldwide.
Hip An
Fantastic
Really enjoying Birda where I live i have a lot of Red kites really hard to photograph but I can video are you planning some place on the app where us Birda can post vids🦉🦅
Carl B
Helped me to identify more birds
Love this app and has helped me to identify more birds. The challenges and badges are great for keeping the motivation going to get out and keep birding.
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.