A 16–17 cm brushfinch, with overall olive coloration and more yellowish tones on the underparts, featuring a well-defined rufous-chestnut head that contrasts with a yellow loreal spot and also with the throat and submalar region, which are likewise yellow, the latter bordered below by a chestnut malar line. Olive back; wings and tail darker, grayish in tone. Bill short, conical, and robust, black; legs brownish to grayish. Sexes similar. Juvenile similar to adult, but with a duller head, in brown-chestnut tones, a poorly defined yellowish supercilium, and overall duller coloration.
Geographic distribution: Distributed along the eastern slope of the Andes from southern Bolivia to northwestern Argentina, where it inhabits the northern Yungas in the provinces of Jujuy and Salta. In the southern Yungas, its niche is occupied by its congener, the Yellow Brushfinch (Atlapetes citrinellus).
Habitat: Inhabits the understory and edges of montane forests of the Yungas, especially associated with areas containing Andean alder (Alnus acuminata), and also in ecotones with Polylepis woodlands; generally between 1,400 and 3,300 m a.s.l., descending to lower elevations during winter.
Diet: Omnivorous, consuming insects, other invertebrates, seeds, and fruits. Feeds mainly on or near the ground, though also in low shrubs.
Behavior: Moves alone, in pairs, or in small groups, mainly in the lower stratum and on the ground. It is restless and active, moving through low vegetation; often flicks its tail constantly. Usually remains hidden, although it vocalizes frequently. Its song consists of a short phrase of sharp, repetitive notes; it also gives thin, penetrating contact and alarm calls.
Nesting: Nests in shrubs or low trees, generally in areas of dense vegetation. The nest is a cup-shaped structure built with twigs, stems, and plant fibers, lined internally with finer materials. The clutch consists of 2 whitish or cream-colored eggs, with reddish or brownish spots, generally more concentrated toward one pole.
Conservation status: Classified internationally as Least Concern (LC) and not threatened nationally. It is a relatively common species within its range and currently faces no significant known threats. In Argentina, it occurs in protected areas such as Calilegua National Park (Jujuy) and Baritú National Park (Salta), among others.
Author of this compilation: María Belén Dri and Diego Carús – 04/05/2026