[2] It is endemic to Inaccessible Island of the Tristan da Cunha archipelago, where its natural habitats are temperate shrubland and subantarctic grassland.

The Inaccessible Island finch was previously considered two species, but the three subspecies are now grouped together.

Found along the coastline, and has a small beak and drab olive-grey plumage, though the male is slightly brighter than the female.

Found on the island's plateau at 300–600 meters (984–1969 feet), and has a small beak and bright yellow plumage.

N. a. acunhae eats the seeds of Spartinia grasses, such as Sporobolus arundinacea, as well as Carex.