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Photo: © Clive Harris eBird S36186313 Macaulay Library ML 55403911
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Plumbeous Seedeater

Sporophila plumbea
Espiguero Plomizo
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Song

Plumbeous Seedeater

Appearance: The Plumbeous Seedeater is a small bird with a dull gray plumage, giving it a somewhat drab appearance. It has a short, conical bill and a short tail.
Habitat: Plumbeous Seedeaters are found in open grasslands, savannas, and agricultural areas. They prefer areas with tall grasses and shrubs where they can find seeds to feed on.
Behavior: Plumbeous Seedeaters are often seen foraging on the ground for seeds and insects. They are known to form small flocks outside of the breeding season.
Breeding: The breeding season for Plumbeous Seedeaters in Colombia occurs from March to June. They build their nests in shrubs or grasses, and the female lays 2-4 eggs.
Conservation status: The Plumbeous Seedeater is considered to be of least concern by the IUCN.
MALE
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Photo: © Clive Harris eBird S36186313 Macaulay Library ML 55403911
FEMALE
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Photo: © Ian Thompson eBird S36401790 Macaulay Library ML 56187401

Distribution

The Plumbeous Seedeater  is found in the eastern regions including the departments of Meta, Arauca, Casanare, Vichada, and Guaviare. It is also present in some parts of the Andean region in the departments of Antioquia and Tolima. Its distribution  is mainly concentrated in grasslands, savannas, and open habitats with scattered trees and shrubs.

Taxonomy

The Plumbeous Seedeater (Sporophila plumbea)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Passeriformes
  • Family: Thraupidae
  • Genus: Sporophila
  • Species: Sporophila plumbea

Vocalization

The Plumbeous Seedeater has a simple, high-pitched song consisting of short, clear whistles. The vocalization is often described as a series of "tsee-tsee-tsee" notes repeated rapidly. The call is sharp and distinctive, making it easy to identify the bird by its vocalizations.