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Photo: © Jorge Quiroga eBird S61376186 Macaulay Library ML 187325151
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Yellow-bellied Seedeater

Sporophila nigricolis
Espiguero Capuchino
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Song

Yellow-bellied Seedeater

Appearance: The Yellow-bellied Seedeater has a distinctive black head, white throat, and yellow belly. The male has a black back with white spots, while the female is duller in color with a brownish back.
Habitat: This bird species is found in grasslands, savannas, and agricultural areas. They are commonly seen in open habitats with tall grasses and shrubs.
Behavior: Yellow-bellied Seedeaters are primarily seed-eaters, feeding on grass seeds and grains. They are often seen foraging on the ground or in low vegetation.
Breeding: During the breeding season, males perform courtship displays to attract females. They build their nests in grassy areas, usually low to the ground. The female lays 2-4 eggs, which are incubated for about two weeks.
Conservation status: The Yellow-bellied Seedeater is listed as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN. 
MALE
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Photo: © Luis A. Materón
FEMALE
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Photo : © Luis A. Materón

Distribution

The Yellow-bellied Seedeater is a bird found in the Caribbean coast but not in La Guajira. Also in the Andean regions of the country, along the Guaviare river but not in the Amazon basin.

Taxonomy

The Yellow-bellied Seedeater (Sporophila nigricolis)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Passeriformes
  • Family: Thraupidae
  • Genus: Sporophila
  • Species: Sporophila nigricolis

Vocalization

The Yellow-bellied Seedeater's vocalization is a series of high-pitched, buzzy notes that are often described as a rapid trill or warble. This song is heard during the breeding season as males establish and defend their territories. The call is a sharp "tsip" or "tsee" sound, used for communication between individuals or as an alarm call in response to potential threats.