Buntings and New World Sparrows (Emberizidae)

Blue Finch (Porphyrospiza caerulescens) - HBW 16, p. 605

French: Porphyrin à bec jaune German: Kobaltämmerling Spanish: Yal Azul
Other common names: Yellow-billed Blue Finch

Taxonomy: Tanagra caerulescens Wied, 1830, interior of Bahia, Brazil.
Often placed in family Cardinalidae because of resemblance to Passerina, and has sometimes been included in that genus. Molecular data suggest that its closest relative may be Phrygilus alaudinus and that both belong with the tanagers (Thraupidae); these two species are united by structure, bill shape, some aspects of coloration, and song, and both should probably be shifted to a new genus, for which the name Corydospiza is available (and which has priority over present genus). Monotypic.

Distribution: C & E Brazil from S Mato Grosso, SE Pará and C Maranhão S to Goiás, Piauí, W Bahia and W & C Minas Gerais, and E & S Bolivia (E Beni and SE Santa Cruz, probably also Chuquisaca).