Rosy Finch
Montana Audubon is partnering with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks throughout western Montana to understand where Rosy-finches are active and breeding. Rosy-finches are best surveyed in high-alpine areas of SW Montana (Fish, Wildlife & Parks Regions 2, 3, 4, 5) during the months of June and July. Black Rosy-Finches are generally found nesting in cliff crevices, rock slides and talus among glaciers and snowfields above timberline, typically nesting on north or north-east facing slopes.
In summer, these birds are commonly associated with the edges of tundra snow fields which they use to forage windblown insects and seeds deposited on the surface. They will also use wet soil, or newly exposed tundra from receding snow fields for feeding as well. Surveys require a walk below north-facing cliffs, above tree line where there is an abundance of tundra, boulder and late season snow-pack. The toe of boulder fields are also good survey sites. Walking transects are used to survey this species.
Email Amy Seaman at aseaman@mtaudubon.org to get started.
In summer, these birds are commonly associated with the edges of tundra snow fields which they use to forage windblown insects and seeds deposited on the surface. They will also use wet soil, or newly exposed tundra from receding snow fields for feeding as well. Surveys require a walk below north-facing cliffs, above tree line where there is an abundance of tundra, boulder and late season snow-pack. The toe of boulder fields are also good survey sites. Walking transects are used to survey this species.
Email Amy Seaman at aseaman@mtaudubon.org to get started.
Both Black and Gray-crowned Rosy-finches breed in Montana. Click above for more information on identification and distribution in Montana.
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