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Buntings and New World Sparrows (Emberizidae)

Ash-breasted Sierra-finch (Phrygilus plebejus) - HBW 16, p. 608

French: Phrygile plébéien German: Aschbrustämmerling Spanish: Yal Plebeyo

Taxonomy: Phrygilus plebejus Tschudi, 1844, no locality = highlands of Junín, Peru.
Molecular-genetic studies indicate that genus belongs in tanager family (Thraupidae). Recent molecular data suggest a sister relationship between this species and P. unicolor, but distant relationship to other members of genus. Further, the two appear to be part of a clade that includes also Haplospiza and Catamenia (relationship with Haplospiza suggested by early authors on basis of similarities in plumage, as well as structure). Present species and P. unicolor should probably be placed together in separate genus, and Geospizopsis can be resurrected f.. View all taxonomy...

Taxonomy: Phrygilus plebejus Tschudi, 1844, no locality = highlands of Junín, Peru.
Molecular-genetic studies indicate that genus belongs in tanager family (Thraupidae). Recent molecular data suggest a sister relationship between this species and P. unicolor, but distant relationship to other members of genus. Further, the two appear to be part of a clade that includes also Haplospiza and Catamenia (relationship with Haplospiza suggested by early authors on basis of similarities in plumage, as well as structure). Present species and P. unicolor should probably be placed together in separate genus, and Geospizopsis can be resurrected for them. Three subspecies recognized.

Subspecies and Distribution:

  • ocularis P. L. Sclater, 1859 - Andes of Ecuador S to N Peru (N of Marañón Valley).
  • plebejus Tschudi, 1844 - Andes of Peru (S of Marañón Valley), N Chile (S to Antofagasta) and W Bolivia S to NW & WC Argentina (to Mendoza).
  • naroskyi Nores & Yzurieta, 1983 - NC Argentina (Sierra de Córdoba).

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