Sharpe’s Rosefinch

Sharpe's rosefinch (Carpodacus verreauxii) is a species of finch in the family Fringillidae. It is found in central China and far northern Myanmar. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical high-altitude shrubland. It was formerly considered to be a subspecies of the spot-winged rosefinch. The common name commemorates the British zoologist Richard Bowdler Sharpe. == Taxonomy and evolutionary history == Until recently considered conspecific with C. rodopeplus, but verreauxii differs genetically (1) and in its distinctly smaller bill (at least 2); strong, long black streaks on upperparts (1); and (in male) distinctly paler pink overall appearance vs dark and duller pink with heavy dark markings below (2); bright pink rump vs no distinct paler rump but just a few flecks of pinkish in dark rump feathers (2) (2). Monotypic. == Description == 15 cm. Medium-sized slim, relatively small-billed rosefinch with long, slightly notched tail. Male has forehead to nape dark maroon with blackish streaks, very pale pink supercilium (some feathers tipped white) extending from above lores to just behind ear-coverts; lores, ear-coverts and cheeks very dark crimson with variable pink streaking; hindneck to lower back brownish with broad black streaks, scapulars and mantle sides with broad pale pinkish edges, rump…