Double-collared Seedeater

Sporophila caerulescens

The Double-collared Seedeater (Sporophila caerulescens) is a small, charismatic passerine of the South American lowlands, renowned for the male's striking plumage. Measuring a mere 10-11 cm (4-4.3 inches) in length and weighing 7-10 grams (0.25-0.35 oz), it is a diminutive yet conspicuous member of the seedeater genus. Males boast a distinctive black cap, a bright white throat, and a prominent black band forming a "double collar" effect against a grayish back and white underparts, complemente...

Habitat

Found primarily in open and semi-open habitats such as grasslands, savannas, pastures, agricultural fields, forest edges, and shrubby areas, typically at low to moderate elevations.

Diet

Their diet consists predominantly of small grass seeds, supplemented by a small number of insects, primarily gleaned from the ground or directly from plant stalks.

Behavior

Double-collared Seedeaters are primarily diurnal, active from dawn to dusk, often spending nights roosting communally in dense vegetation or tall grasses. Their foraging strategy mainly involves gleaning small seeds directly from grass heads or picking them up from the ground, sometimes acrobatic...

Range

The Double-collared Seedeater is widely distributed across South America, primarily east of the Andes. Its breeding range extends from central and southeastern Brazil, southward through Paraguay, Uruguay, and into northeastern Argentina. Northern populations in Brazil may be largely resident, whi...

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Fun Facts

- The male's striking "double collar" pattern is so distinct that it gives the species its common name and is a key identification mark. - Despite their tiny size, some populations undertake significant migratory journeys across South America, traveling thousands of kilometers between breeding an...

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