Double-collared Seedeater

The Double-collared Seedeater, scientifically known as Sporophila caerulescens, is a small bird with a notable sexual dimorphism. The male is adorned with a grey head and back, contrasted by a striking black throat with a double collar—a black band atop a whitish upper breast. His stout bill is well-suited for seed consumption. The female, on the other hand, is clad in a more subdued palette.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the Double-collared Seedeater, look for the male's distinctive double black collar and grey plumage. The female may be trickier to spot due to her less conspicuous coloring, but both sexes share the same robust bill, a feature that hints at their seed-based diet.

Habitat

This species thrives in a variety of environments, including subtropical or tropical moist shrubland, pastureland, and areas of heavily degraded former forest.

Distribution

The Double-collared Seedeater's range extends from central Argentina, east of the Andes, northwards through Bolivia and Paraguay, and northeastwards into south-central and southeast coastal Brazil. During the austral winter, they migrate into Amazonia, but are only found south of the Amazon River, which serves as their northern boundary. In the western Amazon Basin, they inhabit eastern Peru and the Ucayali River areas, predominantly on the eastern bank of the north-flowing river. In the southeastern Basin, their range includes the Cerrado and extends into the upstream two-thirds of the Araguaia-Tocantins River drainage system.

Behaviour

This species exhibits a seasonal migration pattern, retreating into Amazonia during the austral winter months.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Double-collared Seedeater as Least Concern, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers that would warrant a higher level of concern.

Diet and Feeding

As its name suggests, the Double-collared Seedeater has a diet primarily consisting of seeds, which is facilitated by its stout bill designed for this very purpose.