Genus Sporophila contains small to tiny seedeaters in the tanager (Thraupidae) family. They have thick bills used mostly to eat grass seeds. The female is often plain and brown, but may show hints of the male's characteristics. |
All black in the north part of range (Central America), while birds further south have a white breast with a crescent-shaped band across the chest. Male from back with tail spread. |
|
As seen from the latin name minutus, a tiny seedeater that favors grass seeds. Eating grass seeds |
|
Note white eye-ring compared to very similar Grey Seedeater. Generally a lowland species. Not reliable (wanders), but often found in flocks at bamboo when seeds are present (HBW). Note smaller bill with more curved culmen than Grey Seedeater (hard to be sure about). Female eating bamboo seed. |
|