Parrot-billed Seedeater (Sporophila peruviana) [XC5437]
by Andrew Spencer from Pitahaya, El Oro, Ecuador (song)
Parrot-billed Seedeater (Sporophila peruviana) [XC259854]
by John V. Moore from Guayas: \, Ecuador (song)
Subspecies
Molecular evidence suggests that genus is closely related to Oryzoborus, which should perhaps be subsumed within it. Further, that both genera should be placed in the tanager family (Thraupidae). This species was previously placed in its own genus, Neorhynchus, on account of its large and oddly shaped bill, but seems well placed in present genus. Closest relatives not clear. Plumage features similar in some respects to those of Double-collared Seedeater (Sporophila caerulescens). Shares some similarities in plumage with Drab Seedeater (Sporophila simplex), but is broadly sympatric with it. Recent mitochondrial DNA study of genus did not include samples of either of these two.
The following 2 subspecies are recognised:
devronis (Verreaux, J, 1852) - Western Ecuador (from Manabí) southern along coast to north-western Peru (Tumbes).
peruviana (Lesson, 1842) - Coast of Peru from La Libertad south to Ica.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet