A 15–16 cm warbler-like tanager with a distinct white eyebrow bordered by a dark superciliary stripe, and a black malar stripe resembling a mustache that contrasts with the white throat. The crown and face are dark gray, the back is grayish brown, and the wings are dusky gray with pale edging. The breast is uniform gray, transitioning to a whitish-ochre belly with rufous flanks. The tail is dark gray with reduced white tips on the outer rectrices. Females are slightly paler, and juveniles show yellowish eyebrows and throat with ochre tones and light ventral streaking. Compared to the Monterita Quebradeña (Poospiza boliviana), it shows a gray breast and a clearly marked black malar stripe. P. boliviana has a cinnamon-reddish breast band and an entirely white throat without black stripes, and is restricted to northern Salta near the Bolivian border.
Geographical distribution: Found along the Andes of southern Bolivia and northwestern Argentina, from Jujuy and Salta south through Catamarca, Tucumán, La Rioja and San Juan, reaching northern Mendoza. It also descends in winter to the Sierras of Córdoba and San Luis, where it is a regular visitor. Normal elevation ranges from 2500 to 4000 m, though in winter it descends to 1000–1200 m at the southern limit of its range.
Habitat: Pre-Andean shrublands, elevated dry valleys and ravines with dense vegetation, and cactus-dominated areas within the Monte de Sierras y Bolsones ecoregion, descending to foothill shrublands outside the breeding season.
Behavior: Primarily a shrub-dwelling species, seldom seen on the ground. It moves quickly and cautiously through branches, often wagging its tail sideways while feeding. Found in pairs or small groups, and frequently joins mixed-species flocks. Its song is a hurried, disorderly and slightly off-key trill with short intervals between notes, generally continuous and rapid. It also emits a thin, sharp call.
Diet: Feeds on grains, buds, seeds and insects, collected mainly within dense shrubs. Searches dry leaves and fine branches and seldom descends to the ground. Its diet varies seasonally, incorporating more arthropods during the breeding season.
Reproduction: The nest is a cup or semispherical structure made of small twigs, placed in low shrubs and relatively exposed, with a lining of fine fibers.
Conservation status: Not considered threatened nationally or globally. Common throughout much of its range.
Authors of this compilation: Diego Carus and Maria Belén Dri – 06/12/2025