Gray-hooded Sierra Finch Phrygilus gayi

Attractive small “finch” that is actually a tanager; found in scrubby habitats from the high Andes to Patagonian steppe and locally in coastal foothills. Associates readily with other small seed-eating birds and in some places is tame and acclimated, begging for food at picnic sites. Handsome male has solid gray hood and greenish back. Female and immature have whitish throat with a dark whisker and whitish belly. Some plumages very similar to Patagonian Sierra-Finch, but habitat is a good clue: Patagonian lives in wetter forest and wooded habitats while Gray-hooded occurs in drier, more open and scrubby habitats.