The Nicaraguan seed finch is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is found in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and northwestern Panama.
Region
Central America (Costa Rica, Nicaragua, northwestern Panama)
Typical Environment
Occupies lowland wetlands, marshes, and the edges of lakes and sluggish rivers with dense stands of tall grasses and sedges. Also uses weedy fields, cane fields, rice paddies, and other early successional growth near water. Prefers areas with abundant seed-bearing grasses, often perching to sing from exposed reed tops. Tolerates some human-modified habitats so long as dense seed-rich cover remains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This robust-billed seed-eater favors marsh edges and tall, rank grasses around lakes and slow rivers. Males are strikingly uniform black with a massive pale bill, while females are warm brown and more cryptic. It often follows seeding cycles of grasses and can be affected by trapping pressure in parts of its range. Formerly placed in Oryzoborus, it is now treated within Sporophila in the tanager family (Thraupidae).
Temperament
skulking in tall vegetation but conspicuous when singing
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with bounding, undulating hops over vegetation
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or small family groups; may aggregate loosely where grasses seed abundantly. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low in dense grasses or shrubs near water. Males sing persistently from exposed perches during breeding to defend small territories. Outside breeding, may move locally following seed availability.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, sweet whistles and metallic notes with buzzy elements, delivered from reed tops or shrub crowns. Calls include sharp chips and thin tseet notes used to maintain contact in dense cover.
Plumage
Male is glossy black overall with an oversized pale horn-colored bill; female is warm brown above with buffy underparts and a large pale bill, often showing a faint pale eyebrow and throat.
Diet
Primarily consumes hard seeds of grasses and sedges, which it cracks efficiently with its massive conical bill. Also takes seeds from weedy herbs and occasionally supplements with small invertebrates, especially during breeding. Forages by clambering through stems and seed heads, often hanging to reach drooping panicles. Will drop to the ground to pick fallen seeds when cover is nearby.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in dense rank grasses at marsh edges, along canals, and in wet cow pastures, rice fields, and cane fields. Often remains low and concealed, emerging to exposed stalks when feeding or singing. Proximity to fresh water and abundant seeding plants is important.
