Identification
Handsome finch-like bird found in dry habitats of western Peru and western Ecuador. Male has a black breast and face mask that stand out against his white throat, eyebrow, and belly. Similar to Black-capped Sparrow, but breast band is much thicker, eyebrow extends almost to bill, and tail shows some white. Young males may have patches of brown in their plumage. Female is quite different; she is mostly brown with a lot of streaking. Her thick, pale eyebrow and orange bill are good identification features.