Morelet's Seedeater
Sporophila morelleti

Conservation status | Reasons for sharp decline in Texas are poorly understood. Still widespread and common in Mexico and Central America, and has probably increased in some areas with clearing of forest. |
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Family | Tanagers |
Habitat | Weedy places, tall grass, brush. In Texas, found mainly in weedy overgrown fields or brushy open woods, typically close to water; may roost in tall marsh growth. Farther south in tropics, found in a wide variety of open habitats, from marshes and open grassy fields to brushy edges of woods. |
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Feeding Behavior
Forages in low growth or sometimes on the ground, clambering about among grasses and weeds, and plucking seeds from grass stalks. Occasionally will feed higher in dense bushes or low trees. Except in nesting season, almost always forages in flocks.
Eggs
Probably 2-4. Pale blue to pale gray, with spots of brown often concentrated at the larger end. Incubation is probably by female only, about 13 days. Young: Both parents feed the nestlings. Young leave the nest about 9-11 days after hatching.
Young
Both parents feed the nestlings. Young leave the nest about 9-11 days after hatching.
Diet
Seeds and insects. Diet probably includes many small seeds, especially those of grasses. Also probably feeds on a variety of small insects.
Nesting
Often nests in small colonies, with several pairs fairly close together. Male sings to defend nesting territory. Nest: In Texas, nests have been found in shrubs or in large weeds such as giant ragweed, usually 3-5' above the ground. Nest (probably built by female) is a small and compact open cup of grass, small twigs, rootlets, plant fibers, and plant down, sometimes with the addition of spiderwebs or animal hair.
Illustration © David Allen Sibley.
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Text © Kenn Kaufman, adapted from
Lives of North American Birds
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Migration
Apparently a permanent resident throughout its range. When the species was more common in Texas, the birds apparently would move around somewhat in flocks during the winter.
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Learn moreSongs and Calls
Song a variable twee twee twee, chew chew; also a high tik-it.Learn more about this sound collection.