Buntings and New World Sparrows (Emberizidae)

Slate-colored Seedeater (Sporophila schistacea) - HBW 16, p. 649

French: Sporophile ardoisé German: Schieferpfäffchen Spanish: Semillero Pizarroso

Taxonomy: Spermophila schistacea Lawrence, 1862, Lion Hill, Canal Zone, Panama.
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). Present species thought to be highly variable, and has recently been suggested that it be treated as polymorphic, rather than polytypic; further research desirable. Birds from Belize to Nicaragua sometimes separated as race subconcolor, but this form is probably best considered a variant of nominate. Three subspecies currently recognized.

Subspecies and Distribution: