Rufous-necked Snowfinch Pyrgilauda ruficollis Scientific name definitions

13–15 cm; 23–28 g. Distinctive ground-sparrow with small, pointed bill. Nominate subspecies is mainly rufous-brown, with distinctive head pattern of gray crown , white supercilium, black line through eye and black moustachial streak, white cheek bordered at rear by reddish band that extends to side of neck; upperparts streaked darker brown, lower back to uppertail coverts plain brown; upper­wing brown, median and greater coverts with broad white tips, flight-feathers blackish with paler edging, white patch at base of secondaries and inner primaries; tail dark brown on central feather pair, outer feathers mostly white with dark tips; chin and throat white, underparts creamy white, side of breast with gingery wash; iris reddish-brown; bill dark gray, becoming black in breeding season; legs black. Sexes similar, female sometimes browner on head and with less white in wing. Juvenile is plainer and browner than adult. Subspecies isabellina is paler than nominate.

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Editor's Note: Additional distribution information for this taxon can be found in the 'Subspecies' article above. In the future we will develop a range-wide distribution article.

High barren stony steppes and grassy plateaux, particularly on edges of small watercourses, rubbish tips near human habitations; associated with pika (Ochotona) and vole (Microtus) colonies, though less so than congeners. At 3,500–5,000 m.

Seeds and insects. Forages on ground , and searches dung of domestic animals. Runs extensively; can dig with legs and bill. In pairs and small flocks; larger flocks outside breeding season.

Call  a soft duuid or doooid; calls used in song  in display-flight accompanied by buzzing noises. Chattering alarm, likened to call of Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica).

Season May–June. Breeding in solitary pairs or small groups. Strongly territorial; in display-flight rises silently, sings in diving descent. Nest constructed with plant material, lined with hair, placed in rock hole or in burrow of small mammal, particularly Brandt's vole (Microtus brandti). Clutch 4–5 eggs. No other information.

Not globally threatened. Common in most of range; scarce at southern limits in Nepal and northern India.