The white-throated seedeater is a species of bird in the family Thraupidae. It is endemic to northeastern Brazil.
Region
Northeastern Brazil
Typical Environment
Found primarily in semi-arid caatinga, thorn scrub, and dry open woodland, often with scattered shrubs and grasses. It also uses weedy fields, fallows, restinga scrub near the coast, and edges of dry forests. The species favors areas with abundant seeding grasses and forbs and perches on shrubs or fence lines to sing and scan. It adapts to lightly disturbed mosaics but declines where dense agriculture or urbanization removes seed-rich understory.
Altitude Range
0–800 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The white-throated seedeater is a small tanager-like finch endemic to Brazil’s caatinga and adjacent scrub. Males are recognized by a crisp white throat patch used in display while singing from exposed perches. It is frequently affected by habitat degradation and trapping for the cage-bird trade. Conservation actions focus on protecting dry scrub habitats and curbing illegal capture.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small groups, especially outside the breeding season. During breeding, males sing from exposed perches and defend small territories. The nest is a small open cup placed low in shrubs, and typical clutches are two to three eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a bright, tinkling series of thin notes and short trills delivered from conspicuous perches. Calls are sharp chips and buzzes used for contact and alarm. Males may repeat short phrases persistently during the early morning.
Plumage
Compact seedeater with short, thick bill; males show a clean white throat sharply contrasting with darker head-sides and paler brown body; females are warm brown overall with a paler throat. Plumage is generally plain with minimal streaking and subtle wing edging.
Diet
Primarily eats seeds of grasses and herbaceous plants, crushing them with its stout bill. It often takes seeds directly from seed heads and also forages on the ground for fallen seeds. Small amounts of green plant material may be consumed, and occasional insects are taken during breeding to supplement protein.
Preferred Environment
Forages in open scrub, along field margins, and in weedy patches with abundant seeding grasses. Frequently feeds at shrub edges, roadsides, and lightly grazed pastures where seed availability is high.
