Plumbeous Sierra Finch (Geospizopsis unicolor) [XC47649]
by Bernabe Lopez-Lanus from Parque Nacional Lanin (Volcan Lanin-Espina del Pescado), Paso Tromen, Neuquen, Argentina (song)
Plumbeous Sierra Finch (Geospizopsis unicolor) [XC9947]
by Niels Krabbe from P\u00e1ramo La \u00c1guila, M\u00e9rida, Venezuela (call)
Subspecies
Molecular-genetic studies indicate that genus belongs in tanager family (Thraupidae). Recent molecular data suggest a sister relationship between this species and Ash-breasted Sierra-Finch (Geospizopsis plebejus), but distant relationship to other members of genus. Further, the two appear to be part of a clade that includes also Haplospiza and Catamenia (relationship with Haplospiza suggested by early authors on basis of similarities in plumage, as well as structure). Present species and Ash-breasted Sierra-Finch (Geospizopsis plebejus) should probably be placed together in separate genus, and Geospizopsis can be resurrected for them. Geographical variation complex. Subspecies fall into three main groups, differing primarily in plumage tones: northern group (nivarius and geospizopsis), males of which generally paler, females darker, boldly streaked and with strong buff wash below; single-species central group (inca), male with darkest plumage, female grey and male-like; and southern group (tucumanus, nominate, cyaneus and ultimus), males intermediate in plumage, females duller brown and more obscurely streaked than northern females.
Proposed subspecies grandis (described from Páramo de Santa Isabel, in central Andes of Colombia) supposedly larger than geospizopsis, but much overlap in measurements and treated as a synonym of latter.
The following 7 subspecies are recognised:
nivaria (Bangs, 1899) - Northern Colombia (Santa Marta Mts) and north-western Venezuela (Mérida Andes).
geospizopsis (Bonaparte, 1853) - Andes of central and southern Colombia (central and eastern ranges), Ecuador and northern Peru.
inca Zimmer, JT, 1929 - Peru south to western Bolivia (La Paz).
tucumana Chapman, 1925 - Central Bolivia (Cochabamba) south to north-western Argentina (Jujuy south to La Rioja).
unicolor (Lafresnaye & D'Orbigny, 1837) - Chile (Arica-Parinacota south to Magallanes) and western Argentina (Mendoza south to Santa Cruz).
cyaneus Nores & Yzurieta, 1983 - Highlands of Córdoba, in north-central Argentina.
ultima Ripley, 1950 - Highlands of Tierra del Fuego.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet