Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...
A photo of a Thick-billed Seed Finch (Sporophila funerea), male
Thick-billed Seed Finch, Male

Thick-billed Seed Finch

Sporophila funerea

The thick-billed seed finch, Sporophila funerea, presents a striking sexual dimorphism. The male is cloaked in an almost uniform black plumage, save for a small, conspicuous white patch on the wing. In contrast, the female is adorned in a rich, uniform brown. Both sexes boast a robust bill, notable for its size and straight culmen, which sets them apart from their avian kin.

Identification Tips

When identifying the thick-billed seed finch, look for the male's black plumage with a white wing patch and the female's all-over brown coloration. The species is characterized by a large bill with a straight upper edge, or culmen. They are relatively small birds, measuring approximately 11.5 cm in length and weighing around 13.5 g.

Habitat

This bird favors shrubby and grassy areas, where it can be found flitting about or perched conspicuously on a stem.

Distribution

The thick-billed seed finch has a wide range, extending from southern Mexico through Central America and reaching into the Chocó region of Colombia and Ecuador.

Behaviour

Observations of the thick-billed seed finch reveal a bird that is at home in its grassy domain, actively foraging and interacting with its environment.

Similar Species

The thick-billed seed finch is often confused with the all-black Caribbean slope form of the variable seedeater. However, the finch's larger bill with a straight culmen is a distinguishing feature.

Diet and Feeding

As its name suggests, the thick-billed seed finch has a diet that primarily consists of seeds, which it adeptly handles with its robust bill.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List currently classifies the thick-billed seed finch as Least Concern, indicating that, for now, this species does not face immediate threats to its survival.

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

Thick-billed Seed Finches on Birda

Photos
Sightings

More Tanagers & Allies

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
Nick S
Work together with community
Been loving using this app to log my bird sightings and work together with community members to identify different birds. I've already learned a lot since I started about a month ago!
Marlster24
Very Wholesome App
Joined this app with a new interest in watching birds to help me find out what I was spotting. The community is very active in helping identify birds which is great and everyone is very kind so it’s just a nice wholesome community. I would definitely recommend this for any bird spotter 😄
Carrie
Makes you want to spot birds more
I think this app is fun. It makes you want to spot birds more so I guess in a way it encourages you to get out and about instead of sitting in front of the TV.
Trevarthen1
Birda fan
I really enjoy using Birda, all sightings are recorded and photos can be added. There are monthly challenges which help to get you out to record your sightings. The Birda community are great and are happy to help with unidentified bird sightings. Suitable for all ages and experience!
Erna M
I really like Birda
I really like Birda. I also use other birding apps and have Birda with E-bird going at the same time.
Birdafan
Ideal Birdwatch Companion
Simply adds to the enjoyment of my birdwatching and helps me record what I’ve seen.
Talli A
My favourite app
As a young birdwatcher who was always keen to be apart of a community but never seemed to find one, my problem was solved downloading this!!! Everyone is so friendly and just as excited to see birds as me 😁
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.
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! 🐦
Tralisalandhoop
Fantastic app - Love it!
Love this app and have used it almost daily. Lots of species information and easy to use. Love seeing birds spotted by other users in the UK and worldwide.
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.