Habitat: This species can only be found in humid foothills and highlands, mostly along the Caribbean side. Distribution: This species has been reported from Costa Rica to western Panama. Natural History Notes: The Sooty-faced finch is usually found in pairs or in small groups, near the grounds. It has a sharp whistle call that sounds like "pu-pee". Conservation status according to IUCN 2008 Red list: Least Concern (LC). Characteristics: This species has a total length of 6 inches (measured from tip of bill to end of tail). The plumage of this bird is mostly olive green but we can easily notice the bright chestnut crown on top of the head. The sides of the head are black, as well as the throat, with the exception of two white bands that cross the throat. Then, the center of the breast and the belly are yellow.