The olive-backed euphonia is a small passerine bird in the finch family. It is a resident breeder in the Caribbean lowlands and foothills from southern Mexico to western Panama.
Region
Central America
Typical Environment
Found in humid lowland and foothill forests, forest edges, and second growth on the Caribbean slope from southern Mexico through Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica to western Panama. It favors edges, clearings with fruiting trees, cacao and coffee plantations, and semi-open woodland. Most activity occurs in the midstory to canopy, where small fruit crops are abundant. They readily exploit early successional habitats as long as fruit resources are present.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Olive-backed euphonias are small canopy finches that are resident from southern Mexico to western Panama, most common on the Caribbean slope. They are strong frugivores, especially favoring mistletoe berries, and play an important role in seed dispersal. Males are brighter with clean yellow underparts, while females are drabber olive, making pairs subtly dimorphic. They often join mixed-species flocks at fruiting trees and will sometimes visit banana feeders.
Olive-backed Euphonia (flash photo) Selva Verde Lodge - Costa Rica
E. g. gouldi feeding on custard apple (Annona reticulata)
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, often joining mixed-species flocks at fruiting trees. Nests are typically small, globular structures hidden in dense foliage or vine tangles. Pairs are presumed monogamous during the breeding season and defend a small area around the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High-pitched, thin tinkling notes delivered in short, musical phrases. Calls are sharp chips and sibilant twitters used to keep contact while foraging.
Plumage
Male with olive-green upperparts and bright yellow underparts; female overall duller olive with yellowish wash below. Both sexes have smooth, compact plumage and lack wingbars. The bill is short, thick, and finch-like.
Diet
Primarily small fruits and berries, with a strong preference for mistletoe and other soft fruits that can be swallowed whole. Occasionally supplements diet with small arthropods, especially when feeding young. Plays an important role in dispersing seeds across forest edges and clearings.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the midstory and canopy at forest edges, second growth, and plantations with fruiting trees. Frequently visits isolated fruiting shrubs and trees along roadsides and in gardens.
