The drab seedeater is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is found in Ecuador and Peru. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, subtropical or tropical moist shrubland, and subtropical or tropical high-altitude shrubland.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs from southwestern Ecuador into northwestern Peru, especially along the western Andean foothills and adjacent intermontane valleys. It favors dry to moist shrublands, thorn scrub, hedgerows, and second growth, and also uses weedy pastures and agricultural margins. It is commonly found at the interface of scrub and open areas, foraging near the ground. In some areas it frequents riparian thickets and fallow fields with abundant seeding grasses.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The drab seedeater is a small tanager-like finch specialized for cracking tiny grass and weed seeds with its stout bill. Its subdued plumage helps it blend into scrub and weedy edges where it forages low and often keeps to cover. Males deliver soft, tinkling songs from exposed perches during the breeding season. It adapts well to disturbed habitats and often joins mixed-species flocks of other seedeaters.
Temperament
quiet and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating flights between shrubs
Social Behavior
Often seen singly, in pairs during breeding, or in small loose flocks outside the breeding season. Nests are small cup nests placed low in shrubs or dense vegetation. Likely monogamous, with both parents attending the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a soft, tinkling series of thin notes and short trills delivered from exposed perches. Calls include faint chips and buzzes used to keep contact in scrubby cover.
