Grey-hooded Sierra-finch (Phrygilus gayi) - HBW 16, p. 606

Taxonomy: Fringilla gayi Gervais, 1834, Chile.
Molecular-genetic studies indicate that genus belongs in tanager family (Thraupidae). Present species may form a superspecies with P. atriceps, P. punensis and P. patagonicus (the “hooded” group), and molecular data suggest that this group may be closely related to Sicalis. Has been considered conspecific with P. atriceps, but the two rarely hybridize in area of NC Chile (between Atacama and Coquimbo) where they are sympatric (only one hybrid specimen known, from Guatín, in Antofagasta); sometimes thought conspecific with P. punensis, which it resembles in appearance. Range overlaps with that of P. patagonicus in various sites in Andes and NW Tierra del Fuego; some evidence of hybridization in latter, but the two species generally remain separate, and occupy different habitats. Small coastal race minor exhibits some plumage features intermediate between present species and P. patagonicus, and may be better included in latter on basis of its preference for forest or forest-edge habitat. Nominate race in extreme N of range has particularly large bill, suggesting clinal variation in bill size. Three subspecies recognized.