Habitat:
High-altitude environments such as alpine meadows, scree slopes and mountain roadsides

Activity period :
Primarily active during the day, with peak activity in the morning and late afternoon.

Identification and description:
The snowfinch is a small mountain passerine measuring 14–16 cm, with grey-brown plumage, a distinctive black crown and a contrasting white rump. It inhabits high-altitude environments such as alpine meadows, scree slopes and mountain roadsides, feeding mainly on insects and seeds. During the breeding season, the male performs song flights and aerial displays over its territory to attract the female, and pairs build a nest in rock cavities or under stones.

Recommended lens:
300 mm – adjust based on distance, desired framing (portrait or habitat), and approach conditions.

Photography tips:
Photograph the snowfinch at dawn or dusk with a telephoto lens of ≥300 mm to isolate the black crown and white rump. Position yourself low on the alpine meadow or scree slope, use a fast shutter speed to freeze flight, and maintain at least 10 m distance to avoid disturbance.