Copper Seedeater vs Tawny-bellied Seedeater

In short

Copper Seedeater males are identified by their cinnamon body with a black crown, wings, and tail, while Tawny-bellied Seedeater males have brownish-gray upperparts with a tawny rufous rump and underparts. Both species can be found in mixed-species flocks in open habitats.

Identification tips

1. Look for the cinnamon body and black crown in Copper Seedeater males. 2. Note the tawny rufous rump and underparts in Tawny-bellied Seedeater males. 3. Both species have a white wing speculum. 4. Females are challenging to identify due to similar brown plumage.

Size

Both species are small seedeaters with similar size and structure.

Plumage

Copper Seedeater males have a cinnamon-colored body with a black crown, wings, and tail, and a white wing speculum. Tawny-bellied Seedeater males are brownish gray on the upperparts with a tawny rufous rump and underparts, and also have a white wing speculum. Females of both species are mostly brown and difficult to distinguish.

Behaviour

Both species often join mixed-species flocks, especially outside the breeding season.

Habitat

Copper Seedeaters are widespread in eastern South America, while Tawny-bellied Seedeaters are found from northern and eastern Bolivia to southern Brazil and northern Argentina, often in grasslands and marshes.