Yellow-throated Euphonia

The Yellow-throated Euphonia, Euphonia hirundinacea, is a diminutive and vibrant songbird, a member of the Fringillidae family. Males are resplendent with glossy blue-black upperparts, save for a striking yellow forecrown, and vivid yellow underparts. Females, in contrast, are clad in more subdued olive green above and a paler greyish-white below.

Identification Tips

Adult males can be identified by their yellow forecrown, blue-black upperparts, and yellow underparts. Females are olive green above with whitish-grey underparts. Both sexes have a short bill and tail, with pointed wings. The male's song is a distinctive, high-pitched series of notes, sometimes mimicking other bird calls.

Habitat

This species is found in a variety of habitats, including humid and dry forests, forest edges, open woodlands, and shaded plantations. They are adaptable birds, often seen in disturbed habitats and secondary growth.

Distribution

The Yellow-throated Euphonia's range extends from southeastern Mexico through Central America to western Panama. It is a resident bird in most of its range, with some local seasonal movements.

Behaviour

These birds are often seen in pairs and do not defend territories. They are known for their specialized frugivorous diet, primarily feeding on mistletoe berries, figs, and ripe bananas. They exhibit a unique feeding behavior, swallowing mistletoe berries whole.

Song & Calls

The male's song is a series of high-pitched, shrill notes, with some ability to mimic other birds. Calls include a rapid "pidgel-eece" and a clear "weet," among others. Females produce thinner, high-pitched calls.

Breeding

Breeding occurs from March to August, varying by location. They build domed nests with a side entrance, often in pairs. The female incubates an average of five eggs, and both parents feed the hatchlings, primarily with regurgitated fruits and seeds.

Similar Species

The Yellow-throated Euphonia can be confused with the Thick-billed Euphonia in parts of its range. However, the latter has a more extensive yellow crown and is more common where their ranges overlap.

Diet and Feeding

This species is a frugivore, with a diet consisting mainly of mistletoe berries, figs, and bananas. They have a specialized digestive system that allows them to process these fruits efficiently.

Conservation status

The Yellow-throated Euphonia is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population trend and a large estimated range. They appear to be tolerant of habitat disturbance and are often found near human habitation.