This seedeater has a widespread but disjunct range throughout much of Central and South America. Males are mostly slaty gray with a paler belly and whitish patches on side of the neck and base of primaries. Note stout yellow bill with curved upper mandible. Females are brownish, similar to other seedeaters, but note stout dark bill and whitish belly. Generally rare and irregular. Usually occurs in small flocks at forest edge, occasionally venturing into more open habitats. Sometimes associated with seeding bamboo.