Stout little streaky brownish finch of open, often barren spaces. Easily overlooked. Note warm buffy tones (especially in autumn–winter) and pale bill (grayish in summer, yellowish in winter). Male has distinctive pale pink rump, usually covered by wings when perched. Wide range, from Western Europe to the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Compare with other small streaky finches in areas of overlap. Like other finches, often forms flocks in autumn and winter. Listen for nasal twitters and chirrups.