Sporophila funerea
The Thick-billed Seed Finch (Sporophila funerea) is a small, stout passerine bird renowned for its specialized diet and striking sexual dimorphism. Males are entirely glossy black, often appearing almost bluish-black in good light, with a robust, conical black bill that is exceptionally well-suited for cracking tough seeds. They measure approximately 12-12.5 cm (4.7-4.9 inches) in length and weigh between 10-15 grams. Females present a stark contrast, being uniformly plain olive-brown above a...
Found in forest edges, clearings, secondary growth, scrubland, and often near water sources, typically at low to moderate elevations.
Primarily granivorous, feeding on small grass seeds and other seeds, which their strong bill is perfectly adapted to crack; occasionally supplements diet with small insects.
Thick-billed Seed Finches are diurnal, primarily active during daylight hours, foraging for seeds. Males are highly vocal during the breeding season, delivering complex, buzzy, or wheezy songs interspersed with whistles and trills, sometimes incorporating mimicry, to attract mates and defend smal...
The Thick-billed Seed Finch is a resident species found across a significant portion of Central and northern South America. Its distribution begins in southeastern Mexico, specifically from Veracruz and Chiapas, extending south through the entirety of the Central American land bridge including Be...
Least Concern
- The species name 'funerea' is Latin for 'funereal', referring to the male's somber, all-black plumage. - Its thick, conical bill is a powerful tool, capable of cracking seeds that are too tough for many other small birds. - Despite their specialized diet, they are quite adaptable and can thrive...