Euphonia plumbea
The Plumbeous Euphonia (Euphonia plumbea) is a diminutive and striking passerine known for its distinctive coloration and specialized diet. Males are predominantly glossy plumbeous gray (a dark, lead-like gray) across their upperparts, head, and flanks, sharply contrasting with a vibrant yellow belly and undertail coverts. Females, in comparison, exhibit a more subdued plumage, typically olive-green above, with a grayish throat and duller yellowish underparts. Averaging just 9-10 cm (3.5-4 in...
This species primarily inhabits the canopy and edges of humid lowland forests, secondary growth, clearings, and open woodlands. It is typically found at elevations ranging from sea level up to around 600 meters.
The diet consists primarily of small fruits, with a strong preference for mistletoe berries, which are an essential food source. They also supplement their diet with a small number of insects, gleaned from leaves and branches.
Plumbeous Euphonias are diurnal and often observed singly, in pairs, or occasionally in small family groups, sometimes joining mixed-species foraging flocks. Their foraging strategy primarily involves gleaning fruits and small insects from foliage, with a particular penchant for mistletoe berries...
The Plumbeous Euphonia is endemic to the northern part of South America, with its distribution centered within the Guianan Shield region and adjacent areas of Amazonian Brazil. Its primary range includes all three Guianas: Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. In Venezuela, it is restricted to the...
Least Concern
- The 'Plumbeous' in its name refers to the male's striking lead-gray coloration, derived from the Latin word 'plumbeus'. - It is one of the smallest species within the diverse and colorful Euphonia genus. - Plumbeous Euphonias are highly specialized feeders, with mistletoe berries forming a cruc...