File:Scarlet finch female.jpg

English: The scarlet finch (Carpodacus sipahi) is a small passerine bird belonging to the finch family, Fringillidae. It inhabits the Himalayas, ranging from Uttarakhand in the Indian Himalayas eastward across Nepal and extending further east to the hills of Northeast India and Southeast Asia, reaching as far south as Thailand.

The brilliantly red male is unmistakable, while the female and juvenile are duller but still identifiable by their greenish-yellow tones, yellow rump, and thick pinkish bill. Rosefinches are similarly colored but distinguishable by their smaller bills, longer tails, and more extensive streaking. The scarlet finch resides in montane and hilly forests, typically moving in small flocks and often perching on exposed branches and snags. This species can be quite sluggish and inactive, emitting rich, slurred notes.

The brilliantly red male is fittingly named and unmistakable. The female and juvenile are duller, but still recognizable with overall greenish-yellow tones, a yellow rump, and a thick pinkish bill.