Pyrgilauda is a genus of passerine birds in the sparrow family Passeridae. They are found in the Himalayas, Tibet and western China.

 

Here’s a detailed profile of the Afghan Snowfinch (Pyrgilauda theresae):

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Taxonomy & Naming

• Scientific name: Pyrgilauda theresae (Wikipedia)

• Common names: Afghan snowfinch, Afghan ground-sparrow, bar-tailed snowfinch, Meinertzhagen's snowfinch, Theresa's snowfinch. (Wikipedia)

• Family: Passeridae (sparrows) (the-birds.net)

• Genus: Pyrgilauda — this is a group of “ground-sparrow” snowfinches. (Wikipedia)

• Described by: Richard Meinertzhagen in 1937. (Wikipedia)

• Name origin: The species name theresae honors Theresa Clay, a cousin of Meinertzhagen. (Wikipedia)

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Physical Description

• Size: About 13.5–15 cm in length. (Wikipedia)

• Weight: Between 23 and 35 grams. (Wikipedia)

• Wingspan: ~8.5–9.9 cm. (Wikipedia)

• Bill: 1.3–1.5 cm. (Wikipedia)

• Plumage & Markings:

  • Generally dull brown overall with a paler belly. (ebird.org)

  • Faint streaking on back. (Wikipedia)

  • White wing patches that become noticeable in some light. (ebird.org)

  • Tail: white corners. (ebird.org)

  • Male: solid black “chin” (throat) and more prominent wing patches. (ebird.org)

  • Female: more muted mask around eyes, less white on wings. (Wikipedia)

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Distribution & Habitat

• Endemic to: Afghanistan — P. theresae is the only bird species truly native to (endemic in) Afghanistan. (HandWiki)

• Geographic range: Found in the northern Hindu Kush mountains. Known localities include Shibar Pass, Deh Sabz, Unai Pass, and other passes around ~67°–69° E longitude. (Wikipedia)

• Elevation range: Breeding at 2,575–3,000 meters above sea level. (animalia.bio)

• Habitat: Prefers stony mountain slopes, plateaux, and open hillsides in mountain passes. (Wikipedia)

• Winter movements: Disperses slightly: after heavy snowfalls, can move to lower altitudes, and has been recorded in Badghis Province. There are occasional vagrant records (e.g., in southern Turkmenistan). (Wikipedia)

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Behavior & Ecology

• Diet:

  • Primarily seeds: feeds on small seeds from plants like Carex pachystylis, Convolvulus divaricatus, Thuspeinantha persica. (animalia.bio)

  • Also eats insects, such as ants and weevils. (Wikipedia)

• Social behavior:

  • In winter, forms large flocks (dozens to hundreds), sometimes mixed with other snowfinch species, rock sparrows, and larks. (Wikipedia)

• Flight & calls:

  • Flight: described as heavy and straight. (Wikipedia)

  • Alarm call: a sharp “tsi.” (Wikipedia)

  • In flight: soft “quaak” calls and a stridulant (buzzing/chirping) “zig-zig.” (Wikipedia)

• Breeding / Nesting:

  • Nests in burrows or hollows made by ground-dwelling rodents (e.g., ground squirrels, marmots). (animalia.bio)

  • Specifically associated with the yellow ground squirrel (Spermophilus fulvus). (HandWiki)

  • Nest lining: uses hair (from squirrels, sheep, even dromedaries) and feathers. (HandWiki)

  • Nest placement: deep in the burrow, at the far end — likely for protection. (Picture Bird)

  • Young: hatch blind, with pink skin and sparse, light down; they respond with soft calls when adults call from the burrow entrance. (Picture Bird)

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Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Least Concern (LC) (Wikipedia)

• Threats: Though range is restricted, there are no major known threats that are destabilizing its population. (animalia.bio)

• Protection:

  • Occurs in Band-e Amir National Park, one of Afghanistan’s key protected areas. (Wikipedia)

  • Recognized by local and international conservation groups. (osme.org)

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Interesting / Notable Facts

• It was first scientifically recorded in 1937, relatively late, by Richard Meinertzhagen on an expedition. (Wikipedia)

• The species is monotypic: no recognized subspecies. (Wikipedia)

• Despite being called a “snowfinch,” it has a strong ground-sparrow behavior, especially in its nesting choice (burrowing rodents). (Wikipedia)

• Richard Meinertzhagen (who described the species) is a controversial figure: some of his other described taxa were later questioned. (Wikipedia)

• Its nesting strategy (deep in rodent burrows) helps protect against predators and possibly extreme weather. (Picture Bird)

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If you like, I can check latest research (past 10 years) on the Afghan snowfinch (population trends, conservation, genetics). Do you want me to do that?

 

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