Description: Robust seed-eater measuring 15–17 cm, compact in appearance with a thick, triangular bill. Head, neck, and chest ash-gray; throat sharply white; belly and undertail whitish. Back brick reddish-brown, strongly contrasting with the gray head. Wings and tail blackish. Eye dull reddish. Sexes alike. Juvenile is duller with a brown back showing dark streaks.

Geographic distribution: High Andes and Altiplano of northern Chile, southwestern Bolivia, and northwestern Argentina in Jujuy, Salta, Tucumán, Catamarca, and La Rioja. Mostly between 3,500–4,500 m, occasionally from 2,800 m. In Tucumán, it occurs in the Cumbres Calchaquíes above 3,800 m, where it becomes locally common. Essentially sedentary, with limited local or altitudinal movements.

Habitat: Associated with high Andean grasslands, rocky slopes, yareta areas (Azorella compacta), peatlands and high Andean wetlands adjacent to rocky zones, and scattered wet grasslands with Parastrephia.

Behavior: Calm and fairly confiding; often perches on exposed rocks. Feeds on the ground, often in a crouched, almost lying posture with legs barely visible. Also forages along wetland edges or low shrubs. Usually observed in pairs during the breeding season and in small groups during the rest of the year.

Diet: Mainly seeds collected from the ground, including plants typical of high Andean wetlands. Supplements with small arthropods.

Breeding: The male performs aerial displays: ascending, briefly hovering, then descending in a gliding, fluttering manner. Nest placed in crevices, rocky outcrops, or stone piles; semispherical structure with abundant wool, hair, and feathers. Clutch of up to 3 eggs.

Conservation status: Not listed as threatened, but in Argentina it is localized and uncommon.

Authors of this compilation: Diego Carus and Maria Belén Dri – 06/12/2025