Identification
Small and notably small-billed “finch” (actually a tanager!) of the high Andes, often found in wide-ranging flocks that associate readily with other seed-eating birds. Found on stony slopes with bushes, in puna grassland, and in villages. Plumage is rather drab, but the combination of the distinctive pale spectacles, the small bill, and dark-streaked back help with ID. Adult (sexes look similar) has plain grayish underparts, which are streaky on immature birds.