We recognize three species this complex, based on plumage differences and deep genetic divergence (as assessed by mitochondrial NDA: Escalante et al. 2009): a monotypic Masked Yellowthroat Geothlypis aequinoctialis; a polytypic Black-lored Yellowthroat Geothlypis auricularis (including peruviana); and a monotypic Southern Yellowthroat Geothlypis velata. More comprehensive reviews of genetic divergence and geographic variation in vocalizations would be helpful, however.