This finch is recorded in Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. It uses grassland near shallow water or secondary forest and feeds mainly on grass seeds.
Males have black plumage and a thick, pinkish-yellow bill. Females and juveniles are brown above, warmer brown below, and have a dark bill.
It uses grassland near shallow water, often beside taller vegetation, and secondary forest. Grass seeds make up almost all of its diet; outside the breeding season it may occur in small flocks, sometimes with other finches.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.