Buntings and New World Sparrows (Emberizidae)

White-throated Sierra-finch (Phrygilus erythronotus) - HBW 16, p. 609

French: Phrygile bicolore German: Weißkehlämmerling Spanish: Yal Gorjiblanco

Taxonomy: Chlorospiza erythronotus R. A. Philippi [Krumwiede] and Landbeck, 1861, Parinacota, 10,000–17,000 feet [c. 3050–5200 m], Arica, Chile.
Molecular-genetic studies indicate that genus belongs in tanager family (Thraupidae). May form a superspecies with P. dorsalis, and has been suggested as being conspecific; hybridization between the two reported, although without specimen evidence or a detailed analysis. Recent molecular results indicate that P. dorsalis is sister to the “hooded” group (P. atriceps, P. punensis, P. gayi and P. patagonicus) and Sicalis, and this may apply also to present species (not sampled); more study required. Monotypic.

Distribution: S Peru (from SE Arequipa and S Puno) S to N Chile (highlands of Arica–Parinacota region) and SW Bolivia (W Oruro and W Potosí).