The purple-throated euphonia is a songbird species in the family Fringillidae. It was formerly placed in the Thraupidae.
Region
Northern and central South America
Typical Environment
The purple-throated euphonia inhabits semi-open woodlands, forest edges, second growth, gallery forests, and wooded savannas. It is widespread east of the Andes through much of tropical South America, with populations in dry to moist lowland habitats and in human-modified landscapes such as orchards and plantations. It frequently follows fruiting trees and shrubs in edges and clearings, avoiding dense interior forest. It is most often observed in the mid-story to canopy.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This small finch-like songbird was formerly placed with tanagers (Thraupidae) but is now in the finch family (Fringillidae). It specializes on tiny berries, especially mistletoe, often swallowing them whole and regurgitating the seeds, making it an important seed disperser. Pairs may nest in domed, mossy ball nests hidden in vines or shrubs, and sometimes place nests near wasp colonies for protection.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups and may join mixed-species flocks at fruiting trees. Pairs build domed nests with side entrances, often low to mid-level in dense vegetation. They are primarily monogamous and defend small nesting areas rather than large territories.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of sweet, thin, tinkling whistles delivered in short, varied phrases. Calls are high, sharp tsit notes and soft, descending seee whistles used frequently while foraging.
