This brushfinch ranges along the eastern slope of the Andes from southern Bolivia to northwestern Argentina. It uses the understorey and edges of montane forest, often close to the ground.
It is about 16–17 cm long. Olive upperparts and yellowish underparts contrast with a rufous-chestnut head, yellow throat. The sexes have similar plumage.
It eats insects and other invertebrates, as well as seeds and fruit. It forages mainly on or near the ground and moves alone, in pairs or in small groups.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.