White-bridled Finch Melanodera melanodera

Handsome “finch” (actually a tanager); scarce and local on grassy Patagonian steppe, but fairly common locally on heathland in Falklands; also ranges to coastal dunes, mainly in winter. Found in pairs or small groups, feeding on the ground. Male is distinctive with a black throat framed in white and yellow wing and tail edgings; bright sulfur-yellow wings of mainland birds flash in flight while Falkland birds are dull-winged. Female is streaky overall and is best identified by habitat, company of males, and yellow edgings to wing and tail feathers. Compare with female Plumbeous Sierra-Finch and female Yellow-bridled Finch.