Rufous-rumped Seedeater vs Chestnut Seedeater

In short

The Rufous-rumped Seedeater and Chestnut Seedeater can be distinguished by the color of their upperparts and underparts. The Rufous-rumped Seedeater has a bluer gray upperpart and darker, more chestnut underparts, while the Chestnut Seedeater prefers tall grasslands and has a more uniform chestnut coloration.

Identification tips

• Upperparts: Rufous-rumped Seedeater is bluer gray; Chestnut Seedeater is more uniformly chestnut.
• Underparts: Rufous-rumped Seedeater has darker, more chestnut underparts.
• Habitat: Rufous-rumped Seedeater in pastures and savannas; Chestnut Seedeater in tall grasslands.

Size

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

Plumage

The male Rufous-rumped Seedeater has a bluer gray back and darker, more chestnut underparts compared to the Chestnut Seedeater, which has a more uniform chestnut coloration. Both species have a rufous rump and a small white speculum at the base of the primaries.

Habitat

The Rufous-rumped Seedeater is found in pastures and savannas, while the Chestnut Seedeater prefers tall, undulating grasslands.