Olive-backed Euphonia

The Olive-backed Euphonia, Euphonia gouldi, is a diminutive passerine, a member of the finch family. This avian jewel measures a mere 9.5 cm in length and tips the scales at approximately 12 grams. The male is adorned with glossy olive upperparts and a striking yellow forehead, while his underparts boast a rufous belly framed by yellow. The female, though less resplendent, has a chestnut forehead and yellow underparts, accented with a modest rufous belly patch. The immature birds present a more subdued palette, with darker, duller tones and olive underparts.

Identification Tips

To identify the Olive-backed Euphonia, look for the male's glossy olive upperparts and yellow forehead, along with the distinctive rufous belly. The female can be recognized by her less shiny upperparts, chestnut forehead, and the combination of yellow underparts with a rufous belly patch. Immature birds may be trickier to identify due to their overall darker and duller appearance.

Habitat

The Olive-backed Euphonia favors wet forests, tall secondary growth, and adjacent bushy clearings. It thrives from sea level to 750 meters in altitude, occasionally venturing up to 1000 meters.

Distribution

This species is a resident breeder in the Caribbean lowlands and foothills, with its range extending from southern Mexico to western Panama.

Behaviour

The Olive-backed Euphonia is often observed in small groups or as part of mixed-species feeding flocks, flitting about the forest canopy in search of sustenance.

Song & calls

The call of this euphonia is a metallic "chrrr-chrrr," while its song is a melodic blend of the call interspersed with clear or nasal whistles, creating a symphony of sound in its natural habitat.

Breeding

Breeding Olive-backed Euphonias construct a spherical cup nest with a side entrance, artfully concealed amongst epiphytes or mosses, 2 to 11 meters above the ground. The typical clutch consists of three white eggs, each delicately marked with brown.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Olive-backed Euphonia is primarily composed of small fruits, which it forages in the forest canopy.

Conservation status

The Olive-backed Euphonia is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that, for now, this species is not at immediate risk of decline.

The scientific species name, Euphonia gouldi, is a tribute to John Gould, the esteemed English ornithologist, whose legacy continues to inspire bird enthusiasts and professionals alike.