Buntings and New World Sparrows (Emberizidae)

Sulphur-throated Finch (Sicalis taczanowskii) - HBW 16, p. 637

French: Sicale de Taczanowski German: Taczanowskigilbammer Spanish: Chirigüe de Taczanowski
Other common names: Sulphur-breasted Finch, Sulphur-throated Yellow-finch

Taxonomy: Sycalis taczanowskii Sharpe, 1888, Tumbes, Peru.
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). Until relatively recently this species was placed in a monotypic genus, Gnathospiza, but in many ways it seems to be merely a large-billed member of present genus, and perhaps closest to S. raimondii and S. luteola on basis of plumage features. Monotypic.

Distribution: SW Ecuador (SW Guayas, El Oro and Loja) and NW Peru (lowlands of Tumbes, Piura, Lambayeque and N La Libertad).