The white-naped seedeater is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. Sometimes classified in the bunting and American sparrow family Emberizidae, more recent studies have shown it to belong in the Thraupidae.
Region
Guiana Shield (northern South America)
Typical Environment
Occurs locally in northern Brazil (Roraima), adjacent Guyana (Rupununi savannas), and eastern Venezuela. It favors seasonally flooded savannas, riparian thickets, and edges of white‑sand woodlands (campinarana). Frequently occupies tall grass, brushy clearings, and secondary scrub near watercourses. The species is patchy, often absent from seemingly suitable areas, and may shift locally with seed availability.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking seedeater is the sole member of its genus and is now placed within the tanager family Thraupidae after earlier confusion with buntings and sparrows. It has a very patchy distribution tied to specific savanna and riverine thicket habitats on the Guiana Shield. Males are boldly patterned and often sing from exposed perches, while females are more cryptic and stay low in cover. Habitat loss and alteration of savannas and riparian scrub have contributed to regional declines.
Temperament
generally discreet, often staying in dense low cover
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with bounding hops between perches
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, sometimes in small family groups. Males sing from exposed shrub tops or fence lines during the breeding season. Nests are small cups placed low in shrubs or grass clumps, and both parents attend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a short series of bright, tinkling notes and trills delivered from an exposed perch. Calls include sharp, metallic chips used to keep contact in dense cover.
Plumage
Male is mostly black with a clean white nape patch and contrasting white areas on the head and neck; female is brownish to olive-buff with subtle streaking and a plainer face, overall much duller. Both sexes show a stout, seed-crushing bill and relatively plain wings. The contrast between the male’s dark body and bright white nape is the most diagnostic feature.
Diet
Primarily consumes grass and herb seeds, deftly husking them with its strong conical bill. Forages by picking seeds directly from seedheads and gleaning fallen seeds on the ground. During breeding it may supplement the diet with small arthropods for added protein.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in tall grass, seeding weeds, and along brushy edges in savanna and riparian scrub. Frequently uses fence lines, shrub tops, and low perches to scan for seeding patches before dropping to feed.
