The blue seedeater or Cabanis's seedeater is a species of bird in the cardinal family that is found in southern Mexico and Central America. The Ecuadorian seedeater was formerly considered a subspecies of the blue seedeater.
Region
Mesoamerica
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Mexico through much of Central America in humid foothill and montane forest edges. It favors dense, tangled understory with abundant bamboo, second growth along streams, and forest clearings. The species is closely tied to bamboo thickets and may shift locally following bamboo seeding events. It also uses early successional habitats and ravines with thick cover.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The blue seedeater, also known as Cabanis's seedeater, is a bamboo specialist in the cardinal family (Cardinalidae). It often appears where bamboo is seeding, taking advantage of the brief abundance of seeds and then moving on. The Ecuadorian seedeater was formerly treated as a subspecies but is now split as a separate species. Its skulking habits and preference for dense thickets make it easy to overlook.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct through dense cover
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, often keeping to dense bamboo. Pairs are thought to be monogamous, nesting low in thickets with a cup-shaped nest. Local movements track bamboo seeding, leading to temporary concentrations.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The male gives a soft, sweet series of thin whistles and trills, often delivered from within cover. Calls include sharp chips and soft tseets used for contact in bamboo tangles.
