Tawny-bellied Seedeater vs Dark-throated Seedeater

In short

The Tawny-bellied Seedeater and Dark-throated Seedeater are both small, brownish birds often found in mixed-species flocks. Males of the Tawny-bellied have a tawny rufous belly and rump, while Dark-throated males have a distinctive rich rusty-brown throat. Females of both species are similar and difficult to distinguish.

Identification tips

1. Male plumage: Look for the rusty-brown throat in Dark-throated males, absent in Tawny-bellied males. 2. Mixed flocks: Both species may be seen in large mixed-species flocks, complicating identification. 3. Habitat and range: Consider the location and season; Dark-throated Seedeaters are migratory, while Tawny-bellied are more widespread year-round.

Size

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

Plumage

Male Tawny-bellied Seedeaters have brownish gray upperparts with a white wing speculum and tawny rufous underparts. In contrast, male Dark-throated Seedeaters are gray above with a chestnut belly and a darker rusty-brown throat. Females of both species are dull, buffy brown and nearly indistinguishable.

Behaviour

Both species are often found in mixed-species flocks, especially during the non-breeding season. The Dark-throated Seedeater is highly migratory, while the Tawny-bellied Seedeater is more resident.

Habitat

Tawny-bellied Seedeaters inhabit native grasslands, roadsides, and marshes from Bolivia to Argentina. Dark-throated Seedeaters breed in NE Argentina to SC Brazil and migrate to open country south of the Amazon Basin.