Lesser Hornero

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.

This eastern counterpart of the Black-throated Thrush also breeds in montane areas and winters in lower-elevation areas on average. Males gray above and white below, with a brick-red throat and supercilium. Female paler, with more streaking on the breast and light suffusion of red on the face. Streaky and drab young birds can be difficult to distinguish from Black-throated; chestnut outer tail feathers and orange suffusion to the throat area indicate Red-throated. In areas of overlap, beware hybrids that may show features of both species. Pleasant song is simpler than that of Black-throated, and is composed of fluty whistles and trills. Calls include typical “chekchekchek” and high, thin “tseee.”

Shy, fowl-like bird of open forest and scrubby areas; heard far more often than seen. Best identified by habitat and voice. Red legs are diagnostic. Forages alone or in pairs on ground in scrubby forests on sandy soils, walking slowly to pick up fruit, seeds and insects; does not gather in flocks. Haunting song is a slow, rising series of 2–3 notes; it is similar to that of Undulated Tinamou but typically has fewer notes and lacks a strongly upslurred final note.