Chestnut-bellied Seed-Finch

The Chestnut-bellied Seed-Finch occurs in lowland regions of western and eastern Ecuador, typically below 1,200 meters, where it inhabits grassy clearings, forest edges, and overgrown fields near water. It is generally uncommon and patchily distributed, often seen singly or in pairs foraging for seeds in tall grasses, with males recognized by their glossy black plumage and rich chestnut belly. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a broad Neotropical range and a stable population, though it faces localized threats from habitat loss and trapping for the cage bird trade. Natural history observations highlight its strong, seed-cracking bill, simple melodic song, and cup-shaped nests built low in dense vegetation, with breeding activity aligned with the rainy season.