The Ecuadorian seedeater is a species of bird in the cardinal family Cardinalidae that the International Ornithological Committee (IOC) accepted as a species in 2015. It is found in the Andes in southwestern Colombia through Ecuador to northern Peru.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs on the Andean slopes from southwestern Colombia through Ecuador to northern Peru. Most frequently found in dense stands of montane bamboo (Chusquea and Guadua), as well as edges of humid forest, landslides, and regenerating secondary growth. It favors thickets along ravines and roadsides where bamboo forms an understory matrix. The species is patchily distributed, tracking bamboo seed availability and local habitat structure.
Altitude Range
600–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A recently recognized species (IOC 2015), the Ecuadorian seedeater is a bamboo specialist of the Northern Andes in the cardinal family. Males are deep, uniform blue while females are warm brown, a striking sexual dimorphism that helps with identification in dense cover. It closely associates with seeding Chusquea and Guadua bamboo, moving locally as bamboo patches mature and seed. Its secretive habits mean it is often detected by voice rather than sight.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, sometimes in small family groups when bamboo seeding is abundant. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low in dense bamboo or understory tangles. Pairs maintain small territories within suitable bamboo patches and may shift locally as food resources change.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of thin, high-pitched whistles and brief trills delivered from within bamboo cover. Calls are sharp chips and tseet notes that can be hard to localize in dense vegetation.
