One of the most recent and significant ornithological discoveries in Argentina: Sporophila iberaensis was formally described for science in 2016. The male in full plumage has a slate-gray hood on the head, a grayish back and a beautiful cinnamon-reddish breast and belly, with a small white patch on the throat. It weighs between 8 and 10 grams. Total length: 10 cm. It depends on wet native grasslands to breed: besides the Iberá, breeding has been confirmed in Paraguay, and in 2025 a fledgling was photographed in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.
Behaviour
Strictly granivorous: it feeds on the seeds of native grasses of the genera Andropogon and Paspalum. It perches gracefully on the tall seed heads to strip them. It is migratory: it arrives in the Iberá in spring to breed and leaves around March. It is thought to winter farther north, in central Brazil or Bolivia, but those wintering grounds are not yet confirmed.
How and when to see it
Exclusively spring and summer (October to February). Observing it requires much patience and binoculars. It is the Holy Grail for the birders who visit the park.
Where to see it in the Iberá
The gateways of the Great Iberá Park where iberá seedeater has confirmed presence:
Tours to see it
Verified providers operating at the gateways where iberá seedeater lives. You contact them directly on WhatsApp from the app.
- Gaucho Argentino
Horseback journeys across a network of refuges in Iberá. Multi-day rides with overnight…★ 5.0 - Irupé Excursiones
Guided hiking. Guided visit to museums, historic sites, chapels and trails of the town…★ 5.0 - Navegando Ituzaingó
Private sailboat rides on the Paraná with captain Mario: sunrise, morning and sunset…★ 5.0 - Salvaje Iberá
Hiking, cycling, photo safari, wildlife watching, long day outings and kayak journeys…★ 5.0
Species profile
- Common nameIberá Seedeater
- Scientific nameSporophila iberaensis
- GroupBird
- StatusNative
- Natural MonumentDeclared a Natural Monument of Corrientes Province (Law 6538, 2020).
Other species of the Iberá
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