Euphonia affinis
The Scrub Euphonia (Euphonia affinis) is a diminutive and dazzling passerine, measuring merely 10-11 cm (4-4.3 in) in length and weighing 10-12 grams. Males are striking, adorned with iridescent blue-black upperparts, a contrasting bright yellow crown patch, and vivid yellow underparts extending from the throat to the undertail coverts. Females are more subtly patterned with olive-green upperparts, a duller yellow-green wash on the underparts, and an absence of the male's vibrant crown patch,...
Found in arid to semi-humid scrub, deciduous woodlands, forest edges, and cultivated areas like coffee plantations, typically at low to mid-elevations up to 1,500 meters.
Primarily frugivorous, with a strong preference for small fruits, especially mistletoe berries (Phoradendron spp.), supplemented with a small number of insects and occasionally nectar. Foraging is done by gleaning from branches.
Scrub Euphonias are diurnal and highly active, constantly gleaning for small fruits and insects within the canopy and sub-canopy. Foraging often involves acrobatic maneuvers, including hanging upside down to access berries. Males are territorial during the breeding season, establishing and defend...
The Scrub Euphonia is a resident species found primarily in the Neotropics, extending its range from the Lower Rio Grande Valley of southern Texas, across eastern and western Mexico, and south through much of Central America to northern Costa Rica. Within Mexico, two main subspecies are recognize...
Least Concern
- The Scrub Euphonia is a specialized 'mistletoe eater,' playing a crucial role in dispersing mistletoe seeds through its rapid digestion. - Their digestive system is so efficient that mistletoe seeds pass through quickly, often still viable, helping the plant spread. - Males are sometimes called...