Least Concern

Length about 10–11 cm; weight ~8–10 g. A small, compact finch with a bright crimson plumage dotted with white spots in breeding males, brownish upperparts in non-breeding males and females, and a short red conical bill. Tail is blackish.

Resident across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Thailand. Non-migratory.

Non-migratory; shows local movements after breeding or during dry seasons in search of food and water.

June to November in India, coinciding with the monsoon and post-monsoon periods when grasses seed. Males develop brighter plumage during breeding.

Builds a spherical grass nest close to the ground, hidden in tall grass or reeds. Clutch size is 4–6 white eggs, incubated by both parents. Both share chick-rearing duties.

Prefers grasslands, paddy fields, reed beds, and scrublands, often near water. Common in agricultural areas and open country with tall grasses.

Feeds mainly on grass seeds and grains, but also eats small insects such as termites and aphids, especially during breeding season for added protein. Forages on the ground in small flocks.