Cardinals (Cardinalidae)

Rufous-bellied Saltator (Saltator rufiventris) - HBW 16, p. 419

French: Saltator à ventre roux German: Rotbauchsaltator Spanish: Pepitero Colorado

Taxonomy: Saltator rufiventris d’Orbigny and Lafresnaye, 1837, Sicasica, Bolivia.
Affiliations of genus uncertain; recent molecular-genetic analyses indicate that it does not belong with present family, and may be better placed with tanagers (Thraupidae). Recent molecular-genetic analyses indicate that this species is closer to thraupid genera Delothraupis and Dubusia and may merit placement in a separate genus, for which a new name would be needed; further study required. Monotypic.

Distribution: C Andes from C Bolivia (La Paz, Cochabamba and Chuquisaca) S, probably discontinuously, to NW Argentina (Jujuy and Salta).