Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a large range, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (Extent of Occurrence under 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 size has not been quantified, but it is not believed to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (under 10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline estimated to be over 10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). The population trend appears to be stable, and hence the species does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (over 30% decline over ten years or three generations). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.
Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, but it is assumed to be fairly common. The population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats (BirdLife International 2015).
Trend justification
The population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats (BirdLife International 2015).
Montifringilla henrici occurs in the eastern Tibetan Plateau from Qinghai Hu (northeastern Qinghai) south in band 100–250 km broad to Ku-la Shan, north-east of Lhasa (Xizang).
The species inhabits high-altitude steppe country from above trees to snow-line; 2500–4500 m. It feeds on seeds and plant matter; young are reared on insects, both larval and adult forms of beetles (Coleoptera) and flies (Diptera), and arachnids. In small groups and larger flocks. Pairs take up nesting territories in Apr/May, breeding Jun–Aug.
This species is threatened by the future effects of climate change (Smith et al. 2013, Maggini et al. 2014).
Text account compilers
Rutherford, C.A.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Tibetan Snowfinch Montifringilla henrici. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/tibetan-snowfinch-montifringilla-henrici on 22/12/2024.
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 22/12/2024.