Mongolian 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. Spread from Southern Turkey eastwards to the South Caucasus, Northern Iran, Central Asia and the Gobi Desert.

Distribution in Armenia. A nesting site is found near Vedi town, Ararat Province.

Habitats. Lives on desert breakstone slopes covered with sparse vegetation 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. Three to eight eggs, more frequently 4–6, are laid in the second half of April. The brooding period is 11–14 days.

Population size and its trends. Since recent times, recorded in colonies. 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.