Scrub Euphonia
Euphonia affinis
Tiny finch of tropical lowlands and foothills, especially in drier areas. Occurs from eastern Mexico to Costa Rica, where it is found in open woodland, forest edge, and clearings with trees. Usually in pairs, sometimes small groups that associate readily with other euphonias, especially when feeding at mistletoe. Male has black head and throat with yellow forehead patch; female rather drab, but lacks vested appearance of female Yellow-throated Euphonia, which is slightly larger.
Identification
Both sexes have a thin, fine bill, smaller than that of other euphonias. Legs and eyes are dark. The male is bright yellow below and black above, with a small yellow spot on the forecrown. The crissum is white. Females have a grey head, dusky olive upperparts, buff-grey underparts, and white belly and crissum.
Taxonomy
Euphonia affinis is divided into several subspecies. The species E. godmani of the Pacific coast of central Mexico is now considered to be a full species, West Mexican euphonia (Euphonia godmani).
- Scientific name
- Euphonia affinis
- Authority
- (Lesson, RP, 1842)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Fringillidae
- Genus
- Euphonia
Range and habitat
The scrub euphonia ranges on both coasts of Mexico, south from the states Sonora and Nuevo Leon, as well as much of the country east of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, including the Yucatan Peninsula. It is found throughout Belize, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua and along the Atlantic and Central and Northern Pacific coastal lowlands in Costa Rica. It can be found in areas of secondary growth, stands of trees, agricultural areas and gardens and other human-disturbed areas.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
The scrub euphonia is frequently found in association with yellow-throated euphonias, as well as in mixed species feeding flocks. It consumes much fruit, being particularly attracted by mistletoe berries.
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Desert Finch
Rhodospiza obsoleta
This subtly handsome finch is unique in its range; warm sandy brown with bright pink and silver flashes in the wings. Sexes are similar, but the male boasts a restricted black mask extending from the front of the eye to the base of the stout charcoal-black bill, which the female lacks. Not restricted to deserts but generally does prefer dry, open areas in middle to high altitude regions. Frequents villages, towns, and even cities. Gives a tumbling series of random-sounding notes, usually with a rather hoarse, buzzy quality. Calls include “chip” and “chink” notes and buzzy wheezes.
Brushland Tinamou
Nothoprocta cinerascens
Small, short-necked tinamou of the chaco region of the central Southern Cone. Most often detected by voice. From similar White-bellied Nothura, with which its range partly overlaps, by gray legs and brownish belly. Tends to prefer thorn forest with dense grass or scrubby understory, but can be seen along road sides. Song a 5-8 part flat whistle, given with progressively more emphasis.
Golden-crowned Spadebill
Platyrinchus coronatus
Tiny bird of forest undergrowth, named for exceptionally broad bill (difficult to see). Very small and short-tailed. Brownish-olive above and pale yellowish below, with black pattern on cheek. Throat and breast uniformly buffy, without contrasting white throat. Crown dull rufous with hidden golden center. Sexes alike. Gives a very high insectlike trill. Usually seen singly or in pairs, always in the lower levels of the forest. Inconspicuous.
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