The chestnut-bellied euphonia is a species of bird in the family Fringillidae. It was formerly placed with the related Thraupidae. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Region
Atlantic Forest of eastern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from eastern and southern Brazil south into eastern Paraguay and northeastern Argentina, primarily within remnants and edges of the Atlantic Forest. It uses both lowland and montane moist forests, and readily forages along forest edges, second growth, and shaded plantations. The species also visits orchards and suburban gardens with fruiting trees. It tends to remain near the canopy and midstory, descending to lower levels where fruit is abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The chestnut-bellied euphonia is a small Neotropical finch-like bird of the Atlantic Forest, now placed in the family Fringillidae (formerly Thraupidae). Males show striking dark upperparts contrasting with rich chestnut underparts, while females are olive and more subdued. It is an important disperser of mistletoe and other small-fruited plants, swallowing berries whole and passing the seeds. Typically found in pairs or small groups, it frequents forest edges, secondary growth, and gardens.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and may join mixed-species flocks along forest edges. Pairs maintain small territories and build a domed nest concealed in foliage or vine tangles. Both parents feed the young, with the male often accompanying the female closely during breeding.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, tinkling whistles and short, sweet phrases delivered from the canopy. Calls include sharp, high-pitched tseet notes used to keep contact while foraging.
Plumage
Male with glossy dark bluish-black upperparts and head, contrasting with rich chestnut underparts; wings lack prominent bars. Female is olive-green above with dull yellow to buff underparts, sometimes with a faint cinnamon wash on the belly. Both sexes have a short, thick, conical bill typical of euphonias.
Diet
Primarily consumes small fruits and berries, especially mistletoe, which it swallows whole and later disperses the seeds. It also takes other soft fruits from native and cultivated trees. Insects and small arthropods are occasionally gleaned, particularly during the breeding season for added protein.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the canopy and midstory of moist forest, edges, and secondary growth. Frequently visits fruiting trees in gardens, orchards, and shaded plantations near forest.
