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.
Identification
The cinnamon-rumped seedeater (Sporophila torqueola) is a passerine bird in the typical seedeater genus Sporophila.
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
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: rising.
- Population trend
- rising
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Purple-winged Roller
Coracias temminckii
A distinctive big-billed bird that is entirely deep purple in color except for a conspicuous sky-blue cap and rump. Juvenile has a duller cap and browner underparts. Sits upright. Prefers open country near wooded and forested areas, where it is most often seen perched high on prominent dead branches, usually singly or in pairs. Occurs in both lowlands and foothills. Gives a harsh, dry grating call, “ka-ka-ka-ka…”, and sometimes also a single “chowwEER.”
Bennett's Woodpecker
Campethera bennettii
A medium-sized woodpecker with spotted rather than streaked or barred underparts. The male has unmarked white cheeks and throat, and red moustachial streaks and crown, while the female has a distinctive brown throat, cheek, and eye-stripes. Pairs and small groups avoid drier scrub, preferring mature broadleaved woodland, foraging for ants, termites and their larvae, mostly on the ground. The similar Reichenow’s Woodpecker differs from Bennett’s Woodpecker by being smaller, having a diagnostic speckled throat and less bold facial pattern.
Little Rock-Thrush
Monticola rufocinereus
A small rock-thrush with blue-gray upperparts and hood and an orange belly. The tail has a black-and-orange “T” pattern that is conspicuous in flight. Males and females vary slightly: males are cleaner blue-gray above, while females are more brownish. Found locally in a variety of habitats with a mix of rocks, trees, and bushes. Sometimes also on and around human structures. Similar to redstarts, but easily distinguished by the clean gray hood and the lack of black on the face. Also similar to male Rufous-tailed Rock-Thrush, but smaller, lacking white on the back, and with a more extensive gray hood. The quiet song consists of musical phrases that can be short or quite long.
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