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
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