The cinnamon-rumped seedeater is a passerine bird in the typical seedeater genus Sporophila.
Region
Mesoamerica
Typical Environment
Found from coastal and lowland Mexico south into parts of Central America, inhabiting weedy fields, brushy pastures, riparian edges, and marsh margins. It favors secondary growth and disturbed habitats with abundant seeding grasses. During the nonbreeding season it can move locally to track food availability. It is commonly encountered near agriculture, along levees, and in open scrub with scattered shrubs.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small, seed-eating tanager, the cinnamon-rumped seedeater frequents grassy edges, weedy fields, and marshy scrub. Males are easily recognized by a sharp white collar and contrasting dark head, while females are warm brown overall. It often forms small flocks outside the breeding season and readily visits seeding grasses along roadsides and agricultural plots.
Temperament
discreet and wary at close range
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief undulations
Social Behavior
Often in pairs during breeding, but forms small loose flocks at other times, sometimes mixed with other seedeaters. Males sing from exposed perches such as fence lines or bush tops. Cup nests are placed low in grasses or shrubs, with both parents involved in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin, sweet series of sibilant trills and buzzy notes, often delivered from a conspicuous perch. Calls are sharp, high tseet or tzip notes used to maintain contact within small groups.
Plumage
Compact, finch-like seedeater with short tail and conical bill; smooth, even feathering. Male shows sharp contrast between dark head, bright white collar, and warm cinnamon-brown upperparts and rump; underparts pale to buff. Female is uniformly warm brown to buff with a slightly richer rump and pale underparts.
Diet
Primarily takes small grass and herb seeds, husking them efficiently with its stout bill. Supplements with buds and the occasional small insect, especially when feeding young. Feeds both on the ground and by perching to pluck seed heads.
Preferred Environment
Edges of fields, roadsides with seeding grasses, fallow plots, and marsh margins. Also uses scrubby pastures and early successional growth where grass seed is abundant.
