The ruddy-breasted seedeater is a species of bird in the tanager family Thraupidae. It is found in Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela. Its natural habitats are dry savanna, subtropical or tropical seasonally wet or flooded lowland grassland, and heavily degraded former forest.
Region
Central America and northern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Mexico through Central America to northern South America, including Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, northern Brazil, Ecuador, and Trinidad and Tobago. Favors dry savannas, seasonally flooded lowland grasslands, marsh edges, and weedy pastures. Also uses agricultural margins such as rice fields and fallow plots with abundant seeding grasses. Common in degraded or secondary habitats where grasses dominate. Avoids dense forest interiors but frequents forest edges and riverine clearings.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The ruddy-breasted seedeater is a small Neotropical tanager specialized for feeding on grass seeds, using a thick, conical bill. Males show striking rufous underparts contrasted with dark upperparts, while females are warm brown and more cryptic. It often forms loose flocks in seeding grasslands and follows seasonal seed abundance. Local movements track rains and grass seeding, but populations are generally resident.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with a bounding, undulating flight
Social Behavior
Often forages in small flocks, sometimes with other seedeaters, and aggregates where grasses are seeding. During breeding, pairs form and males sing from exposed perches. Nests are small cups placed low in grasses or shrubs, typically with 2–3 eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of high, thin notes and buzzy trills delivered from a perch. Calls include sharp tink and seep notes used to keep contact in flocks. Vocalizations are quick and subtle, blending into grassland soundscapes.
