• Summary
• Text account
• Data table and detailed info
• Distribution map
• Reference and further resources

Justification of Red List category
This species has an extremely large range, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (Extent of Occurrence <20,000 km² combined with a declining or fluctuating range size, habitat extent/quality, or population size and a small number of locations or severe fragmentation).  The population trend appears to be stable, and hence the species does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations).  The population size has not been quantified, but it is not believed to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (<10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline estimated to be >10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure).  For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.

Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified.  In Europe, the breeding population is estimated to number 510-1,000 pairs, which equates to 1,000-2,000 mature individuals (BirdLife International 2015), but Europe forms <5% of the global range.

Trend justification
The population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats.  The tiny European population is estimated to be stable (BirdLife International 2015).

This species inhabits montane and submontane, arid, desolate and semi-desert areas with slopes, cliffs, screes, ravines and steep valleys, as well as open stony, sandy areas with grassy patches or low scrub (e.g. Caragana).  It is also occasionally found on the edge of alpine meadows and cultivated fields.  It occupies similar habitats at lower altitudes outside of the breeding season.  It breeds from mid-April to late July or August and lays four to six eggs.  The nest is a loose foundation of twigs, plant stalks, down and fibres, leaves, grass and animal hair.  It is usually placed in a shallow saucer or depression on the ground, under a low bush or grass tussock, in scree slope, between rocks or boulders, in crevice or niche in cliff or rock face, or in the wall of a building, well or ruin.  The diet is mainly small seeds, but buds and shoots are also taken.  The species is resident but also makes short-distance and altitudinal migratory movements (Snow and Perrins 1998, Clement 2016).

Conservation Actions Underway
There are currently no known specific conservation measures for this species within its European range.

Conservation Actions Proposed
No conservation measures are currently needed for this species within its European range.

Text account compilers
Ashpole, J, Butchart, S. & Ekstrom, J.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Mongolian Finch Bucanetes mongolicus. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/mongolian-finch-bucanetes-mongolicus on 23/11/2024.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2024) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 23/11/2024.