The Tropeiro seedeater is a species of birds in the tanager family. It is endemic to Brazil. Formerly lumped with the plumbeous seedeater, it was described as a new species in 2013.
Region
Southern Brazil
Typical Environment
Breeds in upland grasslands and mosaics of native campos and Araucaria forest edges in Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul. Uses open pastures, fallows, and weedy road margins where native and introduced grasses set seed. In the non-breeding season it disperses to lower elevations, including coastal plains and interior lowlands, tracking grass seeding events. The species favors relatively open, lightly wooded or shrubby landscapes with scattered bushes for perching and nesting.
Altitude Range
500–1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Described in 2013 after being split from the plumbeous seedeater, this species is named in honor of ornithologist William Belton. It is confined to southern Brazil and undertakes seasonal movements that likely follow historical drover (tropeiro) routes in search of seeding grasses. Males are often confused with plumbeous seedeaters but differ in subtle plumage details and song. Conservation concerns include grassland loss, agricultural intensification, and trapping.
Temperament
alert and somewhat secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating flights
Social Behavior
Breeds in scattered pairs with males singing from exposed perches such as fence lines and shrub tops. Outside the breeding season it forms small, loose flocks that may mix with other seedeaters. The nest is a small cup placed low in grass or shrubs; both parents likely care for young.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Male song is a series of clear whistles, buzzy trills, and tinkling notes delivered from elevated perches. Calls include sharp chips used to keep contact within flocks. The song pace and note shape help distinguish it from similar seedeaters.
Plumage
Male mostly slate-gray with darker wings and tail and a small pale wing patch; female warm brown with paler, buffy underparts and faint streaking. Both sexes show a stout, seed-cracking bill and subtle pale edging on wing coverts.
Diet
Primarily consumes seeds of native and weedy grasses, deftly plucking seedheads and husking them with its stout bill. It follows grass seeding cycles across the landscape and may concentrate where seeding is abundant. During breeding it may supplement with small arthropods for added protein. It occasionally ingests grit to aid seed digestion.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in open grasslands, lightly grazed pastures, fallow fields, and along weedy edges and forest margins. It often forages low, moving through grass tussocks and perching on stems to extract seeds.
