Lesson's seedeater is a bird species in the family Thraupidae.
Region
Northern South America (Amazon Basin and the Guianas)
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across lowland northern South America, including much of the Amazon Basin, the Guianas, and adjacent Venezuela and Colombia. Favors seasonally flooded river islands, riverine grasslands, marsh edges, and weedy second growth near water. It also uses pastures and fallows with abundant seed-bearing grasses. Local movements track seeding cycles and water levels, so presence can be highly seasonal at a site.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Lesson's seedeater is a small Amazonian tanager specialized for cracking tiny grass and sedge seeds with its stout bill. Males show striking black-and-white contrasts that can resemble other Sporophila, so voice and habitat are helpful for identification. It often uses seasonally flooded river islands and edges, moving locally as seed resources change. While trapped less than some congeners, it can be affected by habitat alteration of floodplains.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with bounding, undulating flight
Social Behavior
Often forages in small flocks outside the breeding season, sometimes mixing with other Sporophila. During breeding, males sing from exposed perches and defend small territories. Nests are small cups placed low in grasses or shrubs near water, and both parents help feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, tinkling notes and buzzy trills delivered from a prominent perch. Calls are sharp chips and high tseet notes used to keep contact within small flocks.
Plumage
Male shows crisp black-and-white contrast with a short, deep-based bill and a distinct white wing patch; underparts largely whitish. Female is warm brown above with buffy underparts and a plain face, lacking strong contrasts. Both sexes have smooth, sleek plumage typical of small seedeaters.
Diet
Primarily consumes seeds of grasses and sedges, deftly husking them with its stout bill. Will also take small seeds of herbaceous plants in weedy fields and river edges. During breeding it may supplement with small insects for additional protein, especially for nestlings.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in seeding grasses of river islands, floodplain meadows, marsh margins, and disturbed weedy plots. It often forages low, clinging to seed heads or picking fallen seeds from bare ground.
