Bright-rumped Yellow-Finch Sicalis uropygialis

Bright-rumped Yellow-Finch is fairly common in its range in the south central Andes. They inhabit the altiplano zone, where they occur in puna grassland, pastures, and settled areas. They occasionally join groups of other finch species when foraging. Bright-rumped Yellow-Finch has two subspecies, sharpei of central Peru, and uropygialis, from southern Peru south to Argentina. Males of both subspecies share a gray back that contrasts with the yellow belly. Additionally, the gray auriculars of the male create a distinctive masked look. Although long classified as a "finch", as reflected in the English name, Bright-rumped Yellow-Finch now is classified as a member of Thraupidae (the "tanager" family). The natural history of Bright-rumped Yellow-Finch is not well known, even though this species is common and widespread.