The large-billed seed finch is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae.
Region
Amazon Basin and the Guianas
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in northern and eastern South America, especially throughout the Amazon Basin and the Guianas. Prefers wetlands, seasonally flooded grasslands, river margins, and the edges of lakes and oxbow lagoons. It also uses agricultural landscapes like rice fields where dense grasses provide food. Typically found in lowland areas, often near still or slow-moving water. Local movements may follow seeding cycles of grasses and sedges.
Altitude Range
0–800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A robust-billed member of the tanager family (Thraupidae), it specializes in cracking tough grass and sedge seeds. Males are strikingly dark with a massive pale bill, while females are warm brown and much subtler. It frequents marshes and wet savannas where seeding grasses are abundant. Local trapping for the cage-bird trade can affect some populations.
Temperament
wary and skulking in dense grasses
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low bounding flights over vegetation
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small groups, sometimes mixing loosely with other seedeaters in rich feeding areas. Males sing from exposed reed tops or fence lines during the breeding season. The nest is a small cup placed low in dense grass or reeds; the female undertakes most incubation while the male guards nearby.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a simple, sweet series of whistles with short trills, delivered from a prominent perch. Calls include sharp metallic 'tink' notes and soft chips used to keep contact in cover.
Plumage
Males are mostly uniform dark blackish with a glossy sheen; females are warm cinnamon-brown above with paler brown to buff underparts.
Diet
Primarily consumes hard seeds of grasses and sedges, which it cracks with its powerful bill. It also takes rice and other cultivated grains where available. During breeding, it may supplement the diet with small arthropods for added protein. Foraging is usually deliberate, picking seed heads and husking them efficiently.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in marsh edges, wet savannas, flooded fields, and along riverbanks where seed-bearing grasses are dense. It often forages near ground level or on low stalks, occasionally venturing into agricultural plots.
