Breeds northern and central Argentina from eastern Salta, Jujuy and Formosa south to Mendoza, La Pampa, north-eastern Rio Negro and western Buenos Aires. Non-breeding also north to south-eastern Bolivia (Tarija) and western Paraguay (Alto Chaco region). Considered by some authors to be a subspecies of Ringed Warbling-Finch (Microspingus torquatus).
 
Subspecies
No subspecies.
Considered by some authors to be a subspecies of Ringed Warbling-Finch (Microspingus torquatus).