Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...

Wing-barred Seedeater

Sporophila americana

The Wing-barred Seedeater, scientifically known as Sporophila americana, is a diminutive passerine bird measuring approximately 11 cm in length. The males are characterized by a robust black bill and a striking plumage with black upperparts, a greyish rump that reveals a fine black streaking upon closer inspection, and two prominent white wing-bars. The underparts are predominantly white, adorned with a broad black pectoral collar and subtle blackish mottling on the upper flanks. In contrast, the female presents a more subdued appearance with a brownish bill, buffy-olive upperparts, and pale olive-ochre underparts. Juveniles bear a resemblance to the adult females in their plumage.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Wing-barred Seedeater, look for the male's distinctive black and white plumage with the two white wing-bars, which are key field marks. The female can be identified by her more muted tones and lack of the male's striking contrast. The heavy black bill is a feature to note in both sexes.

Habitat

This species favors open or semi-open grassy areas and shrublands, where it can often be observed.

Distribution

The Wing-barred Seedeater is native to the coastal regions of northeastern South America. Its range extends from northeastern Venezuela, through Tobago, the Guianas, Amapá, and northeastern Pará in Brazil, and along the Amazon River as far upstream as around Manaus.

Behaviour

Typically found in pairs or small flocks, the Wing-barred Seedeater is a bird that exhibits a preference for seeds in its diet. However, it has also been observed consuming flowers, buds, and fruits.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Wing-barred Seedeater is primarily composed of seeds, but it also includes flowers, buds, and fruits, reflecting its adaptability in foraging.

Conservation status

The Wing-barred Seedeater is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with populations remaining fairly common in Suriname, French Guiana, and parts of Brazil. However, it is considered rare to uncommon in Venezuela and Guyana, where it faces threats from trapping for the wild bird trade.

App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

Wing-barred Seedeaters on Birda

Photos

More Tanagers & Allies

A photo of a Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager (Anisognathus igniventris)

Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager

Anisognathus igniventris
Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
D3Nature
Great app for learning Birds
I’ve been using the app for a couple of months and love it....Someone said it’s like a real life Pokémon Go for birds. They’re not far off! It’s something that the family can do that gets you out and about. Well worth downloading no matter your age.
Robred 2
Fun way to add to your birdwatching experience
I enjoy watching birds in my backyard, but this app helped me really pay attention while on vacation this summer. It was fun to add new birds to my bird watching app.
Birdafan
Ideal Birdwatch Companion
Simply adds to the enjoyment of my birdwatching and helps me record what I’ve seen.
Ellesse_W
Learning Birding with Birda
I’m relatively new to birding as a hobby, and Birda is a great way to keep track off all the species I see. I’m still working on my ID skills, but the app is great for figuring out potential species, and the online community is so friendly and helpful. Definitely recommend Birda to both early and serious birders! 🐦
Mike T
Sense of Community
A great app, which is continually being improved. What really comes through is the passion of those behind the app. The sense of community is brilliant, so much help and support provided to new and/or in experienced birders.
Stewart W
Fantastic to be involved
Fantastic to be involved, great for mental health and gets you responding with the Challenges that are to takd part in.
Alice J
Awesome Birding Community
I absolutely love the community aspect of this app. The app is so user friendly and has fun interactive challenges to get you out birding. I’ve tried others but since I’ve started using Birda I’ve not gone back!
Patricia L
Very encouraging birding app
Easy to use, fun to see progress and encouraging to receive feedback from other users.
Emcil24
A Friendly Place
I love using the bird app, I have a pretty good knowledge of birds. But I do have some gaps in it, so it’s nice to have a safe space to check on a sighting to confirm the species. It’s really enjoyable and I love the badges you can collect. It’s like a real life Pokémon go.
Viperray5
Loving it
I really enjoy being able to interact with other birders on this platform! This seems like a great way to meet other birders and find some new spots.
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.