The Hispaniolan euphonia is a bird species in the finch family, Fringillidae that is endemic to the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean.
Region
Greater Antilles (Caribbean)
Typical Environment
Endemic to the island of Hispaniola, occurring in both the Dominican Republic and Haiti. It occupies forest edges, secondary growth, shade coffee and fruit orchards, and gardens with fruiting trees. The species favors the mid to upper canopy but will descend to feed at berry-laden shrubs. It is common in humid and semi-humid broadleaf habitats and also uses pine–broadleaf ecotones where fruit is abundant.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Hispaniolan euphonia is a small finch-like songbird that plays an important role in dispersing the seeds of mistletoes and other small-fruited plants. Males and females often forage together high in the canopy and may join mixed-species flocks. Its clear, tinkling song carries surprisingly far for such a small bird. Although sometimes kept as a cagebird historically, it is protected in much of its range.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and frequently associates with mixed-species flocks while foraging. Nests are small, well-hidden cups placed in dense foliage or vine tangles. Pairs maintain small territories during breeding and may remain together year-round.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, high-pitched tinkling notes and brief trills, often delivered from the canopy. Calls include thin see and tsip notes given in quick sequences.
Plumage
Male with glossy dark blue-black upperparts and bright yellow underparts; female duller with olive-green upperparts and yellowish underparts. Both sexes have a short tail and neat, compact appearance with no wing bars. Plumage is smooth and sleek, giving a clean, high-contrast look in males.
Diet
Primarily small fruits and berries, especially mistletoes and other soft, lipid-rich fruits. It swallows fruits whole and later regurgitates or passes seeds, aiding plant dispersal. It will also take small arthropods opportunistically, particularly during the breeding season for nestlings.
Preferred Environment
Forages mostly in the mid to upper canopy of forest edges, secondary growth, and fruiting trees in plantations and gardens. Often follows fruiting phenology, moving locally to areas with abundant berries.
