Sporophila beltoni
The Tropeiro Seedeater (Sporophila beltoni) is a small, recently described Neotropical passerine, formally recognized in 2013, highlighting the ongoing discovery of biodiversity. Males are strikingly patterned, featuring a distinctive black hood extending to the upper back and chest, contrasting sharply with a white belly and a prominent white collar or 'necklace' across the hindneck. Their upperparts are generally olive-brown, while the wings and tail are darker, often with a subtle green sh...
Primarily found in high-altitude grasslands (campos de altitude and campos rupestres) and montane shrublands, often between 900-1500 meters elevation, in southern Brazil.
Primarily granivorous, feeding almost exclusively on small seeds of grasses and other herbaceous plants, gleaned directly from the plants or from the ground.
Tropeiro Seedeaters are diurnal, spending most of their day foraging among grasses and low shrubs. They typically forage by gleaning seeds directly from grass inflorescences or picking them from the ground. Males are highly vocal during the breeding season, delivering their sweet, warbling songs ...
The Tropeiro Seedeater is endemic to a restricted area within the grasslands of southern Brazil. Its primary range includes the high-altitude grasslands (campos de altitude and campos rupestres) of the Serra Geral mountain range. It is predominantly found in the states of Santa Catarina and Rio G...
Vulnerable
- This species was formally described as new to science as recently as 2013, making it one of the newest avian discoveries in South America. - Its common name, "Tropeiro Seedeater," honors the "Tropeiros," historical cattle drivers of southern Brazil, whose traditional routes often passed through...