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Morelet's Seedeater

Seedeaters SilhouetteSeedeaters
Morelet's SeedeaterSporophila morelleti
  • ORDER: Passeriformes
  • FAMILY: Thraupidae

Basic Description

The Morelet’s Seedeater is the northernmost member of a sprawling group of tiny finchlike birds that feed mainly on seeds. They frequently hop right onto grass stems to pluck fresh seeds with their small but thick, prominently curved bills. This social species often forms flocks, sometimes with other species, as it forages in grassy open areas. Male Morelet’s Seedeaters vary considerably in appearance, but are typically dapper, black-and-white birds with a neat breast band and white spot in the wing. Females are buffy with two distinctive wingbars.

More ID Info
Range map for Morelet's Seedeater
Year-roundBreedingMigrationNonbreeding
Range map provided by Birds of the World
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Other Names

  • Semillero Cuelliblanco (Spanish)
  • Sporophile de Morelet (French)
  • Cool Facts