Dark-throated Seedeater vs Rufous-rumped Seedeater

In short

The Dark-throated Seedeater and Rufous-rumped Seedeater can be tricky to distinguish, especially in mixed flocks. Males of both species are gray above and rufous below, but the Dark-throated Seedeater has a distinctive darker rusty-brown throat. The Rufous-rumped Seedeater is noted for its rufous rump and a small white speculum on the wings.

Identification tips

• Male Dark-throated Seedeater: Look for the darker rusty-brown throat.
• Male Rufous-rumped Seedeater: Check for the rufous rump and white wing speculum.
• Females: Generally indistinguishable, focus on accompanying males for clues.
• Mixed flocks: Pay attention to subtle plumage differences when observing groups.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of small seedeaters.

Plumage

Male Dark-throated Seedeaters have a gray cap and chestnut underparts with a darker rusty-brown throat. In contrast, male Rufous-rumped Seedeaters have a bluer gray upperpart, a rufous rump, and a small white speculum on the wings. Females of both species are buffy brown and difficult to distinguish.

Behaviour

Both species forage on grass seeds and are often seen in small groups or mixed flocks. The Dark-throated Seedeater is highly migratory.

Habitat

Dark-throated Seedeaters breed in NE Argentina to SC Brazil and migrate south of the Amazon Basin. Rufous-rumped Seedeaters are found in pastures and savannas and are affected by habitat loss.