Other Scientific Names
Caryothraustes humeralis [BirdLife International (2004)], Caryothraustes humeralis [Sibley and Monroe (1990, 1993)], Caryothraustes humeralis [Stotz et al. (1996)]
Extreme southern Colombia (eastern slope of Andes in Caquetá and Putumayo), eastern Ecuador (eastern slope from western Sucumbíos and western Napo south to Morona-Santiago), eastern Peru (Amazonas and Loreto south to Madre de Dios and northern Puno), south-western and central Brazil (southern Amazonas and Rondônia east to southern Pará and north-western Mato Grosso) and northern Bolivia (La Paz and Cochabamba).
 
Population
Estimated population is unknown (2010).
Yellow-shouldered Grosbeak (Parkerthraustes humeralis) [XC93438]
by from Miazi, Zamora-Chinchipe, Ecuador (call, song)
Yellow-shouldered Grosbeak (Parkerthraustes humeralis) [XC512961]
by Hans Matheve from Maycu NR, Zamora Chinchipe, Ecuador (call)
Subspecies
No subspecies.
Relationships uncertain. Has been suggested as belonging in tanager family (Thraupidae), but true taxonomic position not known. Formerly placed in genus Caryothraustes, but differs significantly in morphology (e.g. bill shape, notched tail), plumage (including sexual dimorphism) and behaviour (quiet, inconspicuous, and solitary or in pairs), as well as genetically. Subsequently placed in its own monotypic genus. Taxonomic status of undescribed form from Ecuador as yet unclear.