The Great Inca Finch, Incaspiza pulchra, are in a genus of finch-like birds traditionally placed in the Emberizidae (sparrows, buntings) family, but may be more closely related to the Thraupidae (Tanagers) family. Both their scientific and common name refers to the Inca civilization. They are endemic to arid scrub in central and northern Peru. There are multiple related species.
The Buff-bridled, Gray-winged and Little Inca Finch are restricted to the Maranon Valley, the source of the Amazon River. Rufous-backed Inca Finch occurs either on the West slope of the Andes and both slopes of the Maranon Valley and is restricted to higher elevations, compared to Great Inca Finch which only occurs on the West slope of the Andes, but generally lower than Rufous-backed Inca Finch.
These photos were taken, after much searching (see Day 3), on the lower foothills of the Andes east of Lima.