Trumpeter finch: Red Data Book of Armenia

Finches and relatives — Fringillidae

Status. A rare species of very limited distribution in Armenia. Listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (ver. 3.1) as Least Concern. According to IUCN criteria categorized as Data Deficient DD.

Distribution. North Africa, Asia Minor, Israel, Middle East to Pakistan, Northwestern India, Central Asia and Mongolia.

Distribution in Armenia. Recorded in a nesting site near Vedi town, Ararat Province. Several individuals were found in other parts of the Ararat Province and also in the Kotayk Province.

Habitats. Lives on desert breakstone slopes covered with sparse herbage and scrubs.

Biological traits. In Armenia, a migratory species occurring in the nesting sites from April to September. Nestles in rock crevices or stone agglomerations. Four to six eggs are laid twice a year in late April – early May. The brooding period is 11–14 days.

Population size and its trends. A very rare species of strictly localised nesting.

Major threats. Low numbers. Habitat loss because of human activities.

Conservation measures. Not protected. It is essential to establish a sanctuary near Vedi which would incorporate also the breakstone slopes and cliffs on the northern outskirts of this town.