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Photo: © Margareta Wieser eBird S65119277 Macaulay Library ML 205397191
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Black-and-white Seedeater

Sporophila luctuosa
Espiguero Negriblanco
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Song

Black-and-white Seedeater

Appearance: The Black-and-white Seedeater is a small bird species found in Colombia. It has a distinctive black and white plumage, with black wings and tail, and a white belly and throat. The male has a black crown and nape, while the female has a brownish-gray crown.
Habitat: This species is  found in grasslands, savannas, and agricultural areas with tall grasses and shrubs. They are often seen foraging for seeds on the ground or in low vegetation.
Behavior: Black-and-white Seedeaters are known for their distinctive song, which consists of a series of high-pitched notes followed by a trill. They are also known to perform elaborate courtship displays, including aerial displays and song duets.
Breeding: The season for Black-and-white Seedeaters occurs during the rainy season, when food availability is high. They build cup-shaped nests made of grass and other plant materials, hidden in dense vegetation.
Conservation status: The Black-and-white Seedeater is considered a species of Least Concern by the IUCN.
MALE
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Photo: © Margareta Wieser eBird S65119277 Macaulay Library ML 205397191
FEMALE
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Photo: © Manuel Roncal eBird S36453336 Macaulay Library ML 56416451

Distribution

The Black-and-white Seedeater is distributed in various regions of the country, including the Andean region, the Caribbean coast and in the department of Norte de Santander

Taxonomy

The Black-and-white Seedeater(Sporophila luctuosa)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Passeriformes
  • Family: Thraupidae
  • Genus: Sporophila
  • Species: Sporophila luctuosa

Vocalization

The vocalization of the Black-and-white Seedeater is a series of high-pitched, melodious whistles and trills. Their song is often described as sweet and musical, with a clear, flute-like quality. The males use their vocalizations to attract mates and defend their territory, while the females also sing but less frequently.