The golden-rumped euphonia is a species of bird in the family Fringillidae, formerly placed in the Thraupidae. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela.
Region
Tropical South America and Trinidad
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from northern South America through the Amazon and Guiana Shield to the Atlantic Forest, and south to Paraguay and northeastern Argentina; also present on Trinidad and Tobago. It inhabits lowland and foothill evergreen forest, forest edges, second-growth, and fruit-rich plantations. Most foraging is in the midstory to canopy, but it will descend to edges and gardens when fruiting shrubs are available. Often persists in fragmented landscapes where small fruiting trees and mistletoes are common.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The golden-rumped euphonia is a small Neotropical finch (formerly placed with tanagers) noted for the male’s striking golden rump contrasted with a dark bluish head. It plays an important role in forest regeneration by swallowing small fruits whole and dispersing seeds, especially mistletoes. Sexes are strongly dimorphic, with females much duller and greener overall.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs or small family groups and may join mixed-species flocks when foraging in fruiting trees. Nests are compact globular or cup-like structures placed in foliage or vine tangles, with the pair sharing parental duties. Displays include tail-flicking that exposes the bright rump.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, thin, whistled phrases interspersed with metallic chips. Calls include high, bell-like notes used to keep contact while foraging in the canopy.
Plumage
Male with dark bluish head and upperparts contrasting with a vivid golden-yellow rump and bright yellow underparts; female olive-green above with a yellow-tinged rump and dull yellow underparts. Both sexes have short, stubby finch-like bills and smooth, sleek plumage. The golden rump is conspicuous in flight and when the tail is flicked.
Diet
Primarily consumes small fruits and berries, especially mistletoes (Loranthaceae) and other soft, seedy fruits which are often swallowed whole. It occasionally supplements its diet with small arthropods, particularly when feeding nestlings. By passing seeds intact, it acts as an important seed disperser in both primary and secondary forests.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the midstory and canopy of forest edges, second-growth, and gardens with fruiting shrubs and trees. Frequently visits fruiting vines and parasitic mistletoes, and will exploit orchards and plantations when available.
