The double-collared seedeater is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae.
Region
Eastern and southern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from eastern Bolivia and central Brazil south through Paraguay and Uruguay into northern and central Argentina. It favors open and semi-open landscapes such as pastures, weedy fields, marsh edges, and shrubby savannas. It also uses agricultural edges, roadside grasslands, and abandoned lots in towns. Seasonal movements occur, with birds from the southernmost areas shifting north in the austral winter. Local abundance often peaks where grasses and sedges are seeding after rains or disturbance.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The double-collared seedeater is a small tanager (family Thraupidae) known for the male’s neat black throat framed by a contrasting white neck collar. It often forms flocks in open country and readily follows seeding grasses. In parts of its range it undertakes seasonal movements, tracking seed abundance. It is sometimes targeted in the cagebird trade, so local protections may apply.
Female
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen in small flocks outside the breeding season, foraging low in grasses and weedy patches. Males sing from exposed perches during breeding, defending small territories. The nest is a small cup placed low in grasses or shrubs, typically with 2–3 eggs cared for by both parents.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
The male’s song is a series of bright, wheezy notes and buzzy trills delivered from prominent perches. Calls include thin tsip notes used to keep contact within foraging groups.
Plumage
Male is slate-gray with a distinct black throat and upper chest bordered by a narrow white collar; back and crown gray, underparts pale gray to whitish. Female is warm brown above with buffy underparts and a plainer face, lacking the male’s collar and bib. Both sexes show a short, thick seed-cracking bill and subtle pale edging in the wings.
Diet
Primarily consumes small seeds of grasses and sedges, frequently taking seeds directly from seedheads. It also eats weed seeds in agricultural margins and disturbed sites. During the breeding season it may supplement with small insects and other arthropods, especially for nestlings. Grit is sometimes ingested to aid seed grinding.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in open fields, pasture edges, wetlands fringed with grasses, and roadsides with abundant weedy growth. It often exploits recently disturbed areas where fresh seedheads are abundant.
