Yellow-throated Euphonia

Description

The yellow-throated euphonia (Euphonia hirundinacea) is a species of songbird in the family Fringillidae. It is found in southeastern Mexico and throughout Central America with its range stretching from Belize south to western Panama. It inhabits primarily both humid and dry regions where it prefers the forest edge, open woodland, and shaded plantations. It has two subspecies, the nominate subspecies Euphonia hirundinacea hirundinacea and Euphonia hirundinacea gnatho. This finch is a small bird with pointed wings and a short bill and short tail. Males of this species have dark glossy blue-black upperparts excluding a yellow forecrown, and bright yellow underparts, while females have olive green upperparts and whitish-gray breast and lower parts. It has a shrill song that alternates between high-pitched and moderately pitched and appears to be able to mimic some calls of other birds. The yellow-throated euphonia is a frugivore that feeds primarily on mistletoe berries, which it swallows whole, and has also been observed feeding on figs and ripe bananas. Breeding dates range from March to August depending on locality. Breeding pairs work together to build a domed nest and visit the nest in pairs to feed hatchlings. It is listed as a species of least concern due to its stable population and large range.

Summary adapted from the Wikipedia article “Yellow-throated euphonia”.