Buntings and New World Sparrows (Emberizidae)

Drab Seedeater (Sporophila simplex) - HBW 16, p. 657

French: Sporophile simple German: Dickschnabelpfäffchen Spanish: Semillero Simple

Taxonomy: Spermophila simplex Taczanowski, 1874, Lima, Peru.
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). Affiliations uncertain; plumage resembles that of female S. peruviana, and conceivable that the two are closely related; molecular-genetic study required. Monotypic.

Distribution: S Ecuador (S Azuay and Loja) and W Peru (upper Marañón Valley and lower Andean slopes from La Libertad S to Ica).