From Opus

Bucanetes githagineus

Rhodopechys githaginea

Photo by Momo
Photo taken: M'Hamid, Morocco

[edit] Identification

Large head and short, very thick bill. Red bill, grey head and neck, and pale brown upper parts. The breast, rump and tail are pink, the tail having dark terminal feathers. Winter males, females and young birds are a very washed-out version of the breeding male.

[edit] Distribution

Canary Islands, north Africa, and in the Middle East and into central Asia. There is a small European population in southern Spain.

[edit] Taxonomy

Previously included in the genus Rhodopechys

There are four subspecies described for this species, githagineus, zedlitzi, amantum, and crassirostris.

[edit] Habitat

Stony desert or semi-desert.

[edit] Behaviour

4 eggs are laid in a nest in a rock crevice.

The diet includes seeds and insects in the breeding season.

[edit] External Links