The rufous-bellied euphonia is a species of bird in the family Fringillidae. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest.
Region
Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs across lowland humid forests of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. It favors primary and well-developed secondary forest, forest edges, riverine woodland, and clearings with fruiting trees. The species often keeps to mid- and upper-canopy strata but will descend to edges and orchards when fruit is abundant. It adapts reasonably well to disturbed habitats provided fruit resources persist.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This small neotropical finch is notable for its striking contrast between a bright throat and a rich rufous belly. It forages high in the canopy and at edges, often joining mixed-species flocks. Euphonias are important dispersers of mistletoe and other small-fruited plants, swallowing fruits whole and passing the seeds intact.
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 at fruiting trees. Nests are domed or ball-shaped structures of plant fibers and moss, placed in dense foliage or vine tangles. Pairs are likely monogamous, with both parents participating in feeding the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers thin, high-pitched whistles and sweet, tinkling phrases repeated at short intervals. Calls are sharp chips and seet notes used to keep contact in the canopy.
Plumage
Male with glossy bluish-black upperparts, bright yellow throat and upper breast, and a rich rufous to chestnut belly and flanks. Female is olive-green above with dull yellowish underparts and a warmer buffy to rufous wash on the belly. Both sexes have short, thick bills typical of euphonias.
Diet
Primarily consumes small fruits and berries, especially mistletoes and other arillate fruits. Swallows fruits whole and later regurgitates or passes seeds, aiding plant dispersal. Will occasionally take small arthropods, particularly during the breeding season.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the mid- to upper canopy of humid forest, at edges, along rivers, and in secondary growth. Often visits fruiting trees and can occur in gardens or orchards near forest.
