This finch inhabits the Andean highlands. It forages on rocky ground and steppe slopes and may move to lower ground in winter.
The male is bluish gray, with gray-brown wings and tail. Females and young birds are gray with brown streaking.
It forages on the ground alone or in small groups, perches on rocks or the ground, and nests in rock crevices.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.