yellow-bridled finch Melanodera xanthogramma

Handsome, stocky, and generally uncommon “finch” (actually a tanager) of bleak rocky slopes and bogs above timberline in Andes and Tierra del Fuego; southern birds also range to coastal lowlands in winter. Sides of tail white on northern birds, yellow on southern. Male has black throat framed by diagnostic yellow bridle; head and body either blue-gray overall or strongly washed greenish yellow. Female streaky overall, best identified by presence of males, and white (northern) or yellow (southern) edgings to tail feathers.