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A diminutive finch that thrives in the lush habitat of humid evergreen forests and their edges within tropical lowlands.

Meet the Olive-backed Euphonia:

“Olive-backed Euphonia (Euphonia gouldi) male” (cropped) by Rainbirder is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Description: The Olive-backed Euphonia, scientifically known as Euphonia gouldi, is a petite passerine bird belonging to the finch family. This charming avian jewel measures a mere 9.5 cm in length and weighs approximately 12 grams. Distinguished by its glossy olive upperparts and striking yellow forehead, the male of this species flaunts a rufous belly bordered by yellow underparts. In contrast, the female, while less extravagant, features a chestnut forehead and yellow underparts complemented by a modest rufous belly patch. Immature Olive-backed Euphonias exhibit a more subdued color palette with darker, less vibrant tones and olive underparts.

“Olive-backed Euphonia (m) 260A4644” by rolf.riethof is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0.

Identification Tips: To spot an Olive-backed Euphonia, observe the glossy olive upperparts and yellow forehead of the male, along with its distinctive rufous belly.

The female can be identified by her less lustrous upperparts, chestnut forehead, and the combination of yellow underparts with a rufous belly patch. Identifying immature birds may pose a challenge due to their overall darker and duller appearance.

“eufonia olivácea, olive-backed euphonia” by Adam Jackson is marked with CC0 1.0.

Distribution: These birds are resident breeders in the Caribbean lowlands and foothills, with their range extending from southern Mexico to western Panama.

“eufonia olivácea, olive-backed euphonia” by Karen and Mike is licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Habitat: Olive-backed Euphonias prefer wet forests, tall secondary growth, and nearby bushy clearings. They thrive at elevations ranging from sea level to 750 meters, occasionally venturing up to 1000 meters.

“Olive-backed Euphonia 26” by Chuck Gates is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Behavior: Olive-backed Euphonias are often sighted in small groups or mixed-species feeding flocks, flitting through the forest canopy in search of food.

“Olive-backed euphonia (Euphonia gouldi gouldi) male feeding on custard apple (Annona reticulata) Orange Walk” by Charles J. Sharp is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Diet and Feeding: These birds primarily feed on small fruits foraged from the forest canopy.

“eufonia olivácea, olive-backed euphonia” by Jo Roberts is licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Breeding: During breeding season, Olive-backed Euphonias construct spherical cup nests with side entrances, cleverly concealed among epiphytes or mosses, typically 2 to 11 meters above the ground. A typical clutch comprises three white eggs, delicately marked with brown.

“Singing in the Rain (16550311496)” by Andy Morffew from Itchen Abbas, Hampshire, UK is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Song & Calls: Their call is a metallic “chrrr-chrrr,” while their song consists of a melodic combination of the call with clear or nasal whistles, creating a symphony of sound in their natural habitat.

“IMG_1317” by gary_leavens is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Conservation Status: Currently, the Olive-backed Euphonia is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that the species is not at immediate risk of decline.

“eufonia olivácea, olive-backed euphonia” by Roger A. Morales-Flores is licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Listen to this bird’s song next:

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