Rufous-eared Brushfinch

The rufous-eared brushfinch (Atlapetes rufigenis) is a species of bird in the family Passerellidae, the New World sparrows. It is endemic to Peru. == Taxonomy and systematics == The rufous-eared brushfinch was formally described in 1895 with the binomial Buarremon rufigenis. In the early twentieth century genus Buarremon was merged into Atlapetes. The rufous-eared brushfinch is monotypic. However, some late twentieth century authors suggested that the Apurimac brushfinch (A. forbesi) should be a subspecies of it but they are not closely related. == Description == The rufous-eared brushfinch is 17.5 to 19 cm (6.9 to 7.5 in) long; one male weighed 44 g (1.6 oz). The sexes have the same plumage. Adults have a mostly rufous head with white lores and the area above them. They have a wide white "moustache" below the rufous with a thin dusky gray stripe below it. Their upperparts, wings, and tail are dark smoky gray. Their throat is white, their breast and flanks grayish, and their belly and undertail coverts whitish. They have a brown iris, a black bill, and dark brown legs and feet. Juveniles have a dingy gray-brown head with the same white loral spots as adults. Their upperparts have a brown…