Fairly common, but often retiring, in tropical lowlands of both drier and more humid areas. Favors forest edge, second growth thickets, hedges, and tangles, especially with morning glory flowers, which it munches quietly. Told from other saltators in Mexico and Central America by the grayish (not golden-green) upperparts, bolder white eyebrow, and plain breast. Immature looks slightly different, with a yellowish wash to the face and upperparts.