The buffy-fronted seedeater is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae.
Region
Atlantic Forest of Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina
Typical Environment
Found patchily in the Atlantic Forest from southeastern Brazil into eastern Paraguay and the Misiones region of northeastern Argentina. It favors forest edges, clearings, and secondary growth with dense bamboo understorey. The species is strongly associated with seeding bamboo stands, where it can become locally numerous. Outside bamboo masting events it can be scarce and more dispersed.
Altitude Range
200–1600 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small tanager is closely tied to masting bamboo in the Atlantic Forest, often appearing where bamboo is seeding and then dispersing when the seed supply wanes. It has suffered from habitat loss and capture for the cage-bird trade. Males show a distinctive buffy forehead that gives the species its name, while females are plainer and brownish.
Temperament
wary and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen in small groups, especially where bamboo is seeding, and may join mixed-species seedeater flocks. Breeding is presumed to be monogamous, with nests placed low in dense vegetation. Local abundance fluctuates with bamboo seed availability.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, bright whistles and metallic trills, delivered from exposed perches. Calls include short chips and buzzy notes typical of Sporophila seedeaters.
Plumage
Male is mostly gray with darker wings and tail, contrasted by a warm buffy forehead and face; wings show pale edging. Female is warm brown above and paler below with a buff-washed face and faint wing edging. Both sexes have a stout, conical bill suited to seed-cracking.
Diet
Primarily consumes seeds, with a strong preference for bamboo seeds during masting events. Also takes grass and herb seeds and may occasionally ingest small invertebrates. Uses its stout bill to husk seeds efficiently.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in bamboo thickets, forest edges, and early successional growth, often from low perches or directly from seeding culms. Will also forage on or near the ground where seeds accumulate.
