Of the three species of Rosy-Finch, Brown-capped has the least amount of gray on the head and the most southerly breeding range. The bill is black in summer, yellowish in winter, with white feathers covering the nostrils. Adult Male: Cinnamon brown overall, with reddish pink on the belly and pink edging on the wing coverts and rump. The back has indistinct streaking. The forecrown is blackish, fading to brown, with limited pale gray scaly pattern toward the nape. Some individuals have more extensive gray toward the rear of the crown, resembling Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch. Adult Female: Duller brown overall with little or no pinkish cast to belly, wing coverts, and rump. Juvenile Female: Pale brownish gray overall, with pink cast to wing coverts, and no distinguishable head pattern.

Length: 14 (cm) Wingspan: 24 (cm)

Voice:

Call is a hoarse chewf, similar to other Rosy-Finches.

Habitat:

Breeds in caves, rock slides, or man-made shelters in alpine tundra. Feeds along the edges of snow fields. Moves to lower elevations in winter, when the species uses a variety of open habitats.

Behavior:

Like other rosy-finches, tends to inch along, crouched low to the ground as it feeds. May be quite approachable.

Feeding:

Eats insects from snow fields and glaciers. Also takes seeds from the edges of snow fields and from feeders.