Lesson’s Seedeater (Sporophila bouvronides)

Identification & Behavior: ~11 cm 4.5 in). The Lesson’s Seedeater has black upperparts and tail. The head and throat are black with broad white malar stripes. The underparts and rump are dingy white with specks on the breast and sides. The female is olive-brown above and lighter brown below.  It forages in the shrubbery of forest edges, river scrub, and mixed grassland. It is very similar to the Lined Seedeater but is distinguished by a solid black crown and by dingy white underparts. Also, see Caqueta Seedeater.

Status: The Lesson’s Seedeater is an uncommon non-breeding visitor to the eastern lowland. Movements are not well understood but it appears to be an intra-tropical migrant present in Peru during the months of October through May. It also occurs in Co, Ec, Br, and Bo.

Name in Spanish: Espiguero de Lesson.

Sub-species: Lesson’s Seedeater (Sporophila bouvronides), Lesson, 1831.

Meaning of Name: Sporophila: Gr. sporos= seed and philos= lover. bouvronides: Gr. ides= resembling; Lesson’s Seedeater was given the name “Bouvreuil faux bouvron,” false bouvron bullfinch, by Lesson 1831.

See more of the Family Thraupidae