The Carrizal seedeater is a species of bird in the family Cardinalidae, the cardinals or cardinal grosbeaks. It is endemic to Venezuela.
Region
Venezuelan Guayana (Guiana Shield)
Typical Environment
Historically confined to dense canebrakes and bamboo thickets along islands and banks of the lower Caroní River. It favors tall Gynerium-like reeds and bamboo patches near water with thick, tangled understory. After extensive flooding from reservoir creation, suitable habitat became fragmented and localized. Today it is thought to persist, if at all, in remnant riparian thickets and secondary growth near river margins.
Altitude Range
0–500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Carrizal seedeater is a bamboo- and cane-specialist known from dense riverside thickets in the lower Caroní River of Bolívar, Venezuela. Its name references carrizal, Spanish for canebrake, reflecting its tight association with tall riparian grasses and bamboos. Habitat loss and flooding from dam construction have likely caused severe declines, and the species is now extremely rare and elusive.
Temperament
skulking and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, usually low over or within vegetation
Social Behavior
Typically observed singly or in pairs, keeping low in dense cane or bamboo. Pairs maintain small territories during breeding, with the male singing from concealed perches. Nesting is presumed to be a small cup placed low in thick stems, well hidden among reeds.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft series of thin, high-pitched whistles and sibilant notes delivered from cover. Calls include subtle tseep and tsit notes that can be difficult to detect over river noise.
Plumage
Male is uniformly dark slaty to cobalt-blue with a neat, smooth texture; female is warm brown to buffy-brown with slightly paler underparts and a plainer, more diffuse pattern. Both sexes show a short, thick, seed-cracking bill. Overall appearance is clean and unmarked, best noted by tone and habitat rather than bold patterns.
Diet
Feeds primarily on seeds of tall riparian grasses and bamboos, husking them with its stout conical bill. It also takes small grass and herb seeds from within dense stems. During the breeding season it may supplement with small arthropods for protein, especially for nestlings.
Preferred Environment
Forages inside thick canebrakes, bamboo patches, and tangles along river margins and islands. It works methodically through seed-laden stems and often remains out of sight within the vegetation.
