The chestnut-bellied seed finch is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae, but was until recently placed in Emberizidae.
Region
Northern South America and Panama
Typical Environment
Occurs from Panama through northern South America, including Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, Trinidad and Tobago, and much of northern and eastern Brazil, with scattered occurrences in adjacent countries. It inhabits lowland wetlands, marshy savannas, overgrown fields, and edges of secondary forest. Rice paddies, river floodplains, and seasonally flooded grasslands are frequently used. Outside the breeding season it may move locally following seeding grasses and weedy growth.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This Neotropical seed-finch, now placed in the tanager family (Thraupidae), is known for the male’s striking black-and-chestnut plumage and powerful seed-cracking bill. It is highly prized as a songbird in parts of South America (notably Brazil, where it is called the curió), and trapping has impacted some local populations. It favors open, marshy habitats and agricultural areas with tall grasses and sedges. Legal protections and captive breeding programs exist in some regions to reduce pressure from illegal trade.
Temperament
wary and territorial in breeding season; otherwise fairly discreet
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, low flights over grasses
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs during breeding, with males singing from exposed perches in grasses or shrubs. Outside the breeding season it gathers in small flocks, sometimes mixed with other seedeaters, to exploit seeding grasses. Nests are small cups placed low in dense vegetation; clutches are usually 2–3 eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The male’s song is a varied series of clear whistles, trills, and sweet notes delivered persistently from a perch. Calls include sharp chips and thin tseet notes used to keep contact in cover.
