Buntings and New World Sparrows (Emberizidae)

Greenish Yellow-finch (Sicalis olivascens) - HBW 16, p. 632

French: Sicale olivâtre German: Olivbrust-Gilbammer Spanish: Chirigüe Oliváceo

Taxonomy: Emberiza olivascens d’Orbigny and Lafresnaye, 1837, La Paz, Bolivia.
Molecular-genetic data suggest that genus is most closely related to the “hooded” group of sierra-finches (Phrygilus atriceps, Phrygilus punensis, Phrygilus gayi and Phrygilus patagonicus); also, that it belongs within the tanager family (Thraupidae). Present species may form a superspecies with S. lebruni; previously considered conspecific, but differs significantly in plumage, shape, structure and vocalizations. Four subspecies recognized.

Subspecies and Distribution:

salvini (C. Chubb, 1919) - N Peru from La Libertad S to Huánuco.
chloris Tschudi, 1846 - W & S Peru (Ancash S to Tacna) and N Chile (Arica–Parinacota S to Coquimbo).
olivascens (d’Orbigny & Lafresnaye, 1837) - SE Peru (Cuzco and Puno) and W & C Bolivia S to NW Argentina (Salta and Jujuy S to N La Rioja).
mendozae (Sharpe, 1888) - W Argentina from S La Rioja S to Mendoza and San Luis.