Cinnamon-rumped Seedeater

Sporophila torqueola

Sharply-patterned little bird of grassland and weedy areas in the tropical lowlands and foothills in West Mexico. Often in flocks, mixing readily with other “weed-eating” small birds. Males are warm cinnamon on the belly and rump with a black cap, black breast band, bright white collar, and small white wing patch. Females are plain brownish overall.

Taxonomy

This species is one of two resulting from the split of the former white-collared seedeater. The other former white-collared seedeater subspecies are now known as Morelet's seedeater. Genetic studies show that the cinnamon-rumped seedeater is more closely related to other Sporophila seedeaters than it is to Morelet's seedeater. There are two subspecies:

Scientific name
Sporophila torqueola
Authority
(Bonaparte, 1850)
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Thraupidae
Genus
Sporophila

Range and habitat

The cinnamon-rumped seedeater is endemic to western Mexico. It mainly inhabits tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas, and shrublands but can also be found in pastures, arable land, and heavily degraded former forests.

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
rising

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

Bronze Ground Dove

Bronze Ground Dove

Pampusana beccarii

A rotund, short-legged ground-dwelling dove that usually runs rather than flies when startled. Both sexes have a brown body with bluish-gray chest and head. Males have an iridescent pink shoulder patch. Most obvious identification feature in the field is the glowing white eye-ring of the male, especially in more eastern populations such as those in the Solomon Islands. On mainland New Guinea, the species is a resident of upper-elevation montane forest. No other similar species occur in its altitudinal range. Gives a typical dove-like “woo-oop” call which is quiet and easily missed.

Stripe-throated Wren

Stripe-throated Wren

Cantorchilus leucopogon

Fairly small dark wren. Look for black-and-white stripes on throat and cheek, warm brown underparts, and barred wings. Sexes similar. Found in humid forest from eastern Panama to northwest Ecuador. Singles or pairs are found in the lower to middle levels, sometimes accompanying a mixed-species flock. Listen for song consisting of high pure whistles.

Tepui Antpitta

Tepui Antpitta

Myrmothera simplex

Rotund, terrestrial bird of tepui highland forests. Rich brown above and pale gray-brown below, with a white spot behind the eye, long legs, and virtually no tail. Found at middle and high elevations; most common above 800 m. Always observed on or close to ground. Forages in leaf litter and among mossy rocks for insects. Does not usually follow mixed-species flocks. Far more often heard than seen, but seems much less shy than many other antpittas; may run along ground to within a few meters of observers in response to playback or imitation of song. Song is 6–12 hollow whistles, the series rising slightly in pitch, similar to song of Thrush-like Antpitta but higher-pitched and often longer in duration. Alarm call is a melodious, hollow chuckle, virtually identical to same call of Thrush-like Antpitta; the two species do not overlap in elevational range.

Start Your Bird Watching Journey

Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.