Paramo Seedeater
NameParamo Seedeater
Common NameParamo Seedeater
Scientific NameCatamenia homochroa
FamilyThraupidae
Wingspan (cm)22
Length (cm)13
Weight (g)15
Plumage DetailsAdult males have a dark slate-gray head, back, and wings, with a contrasting rufous-brown breast and belly. The rump is often rufous. Females are duller, more olive-brown overall with streaking on the underparts and a paler belly. Both sexes possess a conical, dark bill.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a high-pitched, thin 'tseet' or 'tsip' call, often given in flight. Songs are typically simple, high-pitched trills or series of notes.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsmountain, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the Andes of South America, ranging from Venezuela south through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. Inhabits high-altitude paramo and puna grasslands.
Identifying Featuresconical dark bill, dark slate-gray head and back (male), rufous-brown underparts (male), streaked underparts (female), high-altitude paramo habitat
Description
A small, stocky finch-like bird inhabiting high-altitude paramo and puna grasslands of the Andes. Males are characterized by a dark slate-gray upper body and rufous-brown underparts, while females are duller and streaked. They primarily feed on seeds found on the ground.
