The bronze-green euphonia is a bird species in the family Fringillidae . It is found in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Northern Andes
Typical Environment
Occurs in subtropical and tropical moist montane forests on the Andean slopes of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. It uses forest interiors as well as edges and secondary growth where fruiting trees and shrubs are abundant. The species is most often encountered in the mid to upper canopy but will descend to edges and clearings to feed. It can persist in moderately disturbed habitats provided fruit resources remain.
Altitude Range
600–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This small Andean songbird favors fruit-rich montane forests and often forages high in the canopy, making it easier to hear than to see. Pairs or small family groups are common, and they frequently visit mistletoe and other berry-laden shrubs. Like other euphonias, it plays a role in seed dispersal. Its clear, tinkling whistles are a distinctive soundscape element of cloud forests.
Temperament
shy and canopy-oriented
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs or small family groups, occasionally joining mixed-species flocks along forest edges. Nests are usually well-concealed, often domed structures placed in foliage. Both parents participate in care, and territories are defended primarily around nesting and key fruit resources.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of clear, thin, tinkling whistles delivered in short phrases. Calls include high, sibilant notes used for contact within pairs or small groups.
Plumage
Male shows glossy bronze-green to olive upperparts with bright yellow underparts; female is duller olive above with yellowish-olive underparts. Both sexes have smooth, sleek plumage suited to canopy life. The bill is short and conical, typical of fruit-eating finches.
Diet
Primarily consumes small fruits and berries, especially mistletoe and other soft, pulpy species. It occasionally supplements its diet with small arthropods, particularly when feeding young. By swallowing fruits whole and passing seeds, it acts as an important seed disperser in montane forests.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly in the mid to upper canopy but also at forest edges and along fruiting shrubs. Frequently visits isolated fruiting trees in secondary growth and along roadsides or clearings.
