Sporophile noir et blanc Sporophila luctuosa

Well-named seedeater found from Venezuela to Bolivia. Male is distinctive: all black above with a white patch at the base of the primaries and a white belly. Could be confused with Yellow-bellied Seedeater, but that species lacks the wing patch and the belly is pale yellow. Females are plain brown and extremely similar to other seedeaters; look for accompanying males to help identify! Generally an Andean species, found up to around 2,500m, but sometimes wanders into adjacent lowlands. Uncommon in grassy areas or scrubby edge, often in flocks with other seedeaters.