Bolivian Brushfinch

The Bolivian brushfinch is about 17 cm (6.7 in) long and weighs about 21 to 22 g (0.74 to 0.78 oz). The sexes have the same plumage. Adults of the nominate subspecies have a blackish forehead and a rufous crown and nape. Their face is mostly blackish with a bright yellow spot above the lores and a yellow "moustache" with a blackish line below it. Their upperparts are blackish with a greenish wash on the rump. Their tail is blackish with olive feather edges. Their wings are blackish with olive edges on the flight feathers. Their throat is bright yellow; their underparts are yellow with a greenish wash on the sides and flanks. Juveniles have browner upperparts than adults with a brown wash and faint streaks on the underparts. Subspecies A. r. carrikeri is smaller than the nominate with no yellow spot above the lores and olive-greenish upperparts. Both subspecies have a dark reddish iris, a black bill, and blackish gray legs and feet.

The Bolivian brushfinch has a disjunct distribution in the Bolivian Andes. The nominate subspecies is the more northerly of the two and has three populations. It is found in two small areas in La Paz Department and a larger one in Cochabamba Department. Subspecies A. r. carrikeri is found in Santa Cruz Department. The species inhabits semi-open landscapes including the edges of montane and Yungas forest, shrubby pastures, and secondary forest. In elevation it ranges between 1,200 and 3,600 m (3,900 and 11,800 ft).

The Bolivian brushfinch's diet has not been studied. It forages on the ground or slightly above it in vegetation and is usually in pairs or family groups.