29 January 2010, El Valle, Cocle Province, Panama

The relationships of the Saltators are unclear. They have traditionally
been placed with Cardinals and Grosbeaks, but recent research indicates
that they are unrelated to those birds. Pending further research the South
American Checklist Committee has placed them as "Incertae Sedis" between
the Tanagers and Sparrows (Emberizidae).

Five subspecies are recognized ranging from Mexico to Brazil. S. m.
intermedius is one of three races found in Panama. It is characterized by
a complete black collar and buff-tinged underparts. It occurs from SW
Costa Rica east to the former Canal Zone.

Digiscoped with Panasonic DMC-LZ5 | Nikon FieldScope 3 | 30X WA | hand-held
(no adapter)