Climate Change and Utah's Black Rosy-Finch
Black Rosy-Finch Study
A black-rosy finch being tagged by conservation ecologist Janice Gardner.
Because it is primarily found in rugged alpine landscapes, the black rosy-finch is one of the least-studied birds in North America.
On top of this lack of knowledge about the species, climate change is predicted to push alpine habitats upward in elevation and diminish existing habitat. This means that these birds could be in peril without even basic data to plan conservation actions.
To meet this crucial information need, Wild Utah Project and our partners at Utah State University, Tracy Aviary, and Utah Division of Wildlife Resources pooled resources to kick off a multi-year study. This winter, we will track rosy-finches across Utah.
In the study, each bird captured by scientists has a micro-chip bracelet attached to its leg and is then released unharmed. When tagged birds come near one of our Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-enabled bird feeders, the reader logs the visit.
Together with surveys completed by our volunteer community scientists, the data will allow our scientists to estimate the survival, movement patterns, and population size of black rosy-finches.
Study Impacts
The goal of the study is to fill significant data gaps about Utah’s black rosy-finch.
This information will be available to land and wildlife agencies, developers, government agencies, scientists, and the public, informing and encouraging science-based actions to sustain black rosy-finch populations, even in the face of threatened habitats.
Support this Project
To ensure that this project continues to thrive in 2020, we're asking you, a fellow lover of Utah's native birds and wildlife, to become the advocate the black rosy-finch needs.
Two black rosy-finches perch against a brilliant Utah sky.
Photo by Janice Gardner
A monthly commitment of $10, $25, $75, or another amount is an easy, automatic way to make sure these mysterious birds have the consistent support they need.
Will you conserve the black rosy-finch by becoming a monthly donor today? Visit our website to begin today.