The West Mexican euphonia is a species of bird in the family Fringillidae. It was split from the scrub euphonia in 2021.
Region
Western Mexico
Typical Environment
Occurs along the Pacific slope of western Mexico, from Sinaloa south through Nayarit, Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán, and Guerrero into western Oaxaca. It favors tropical dry forest, thorn-scrub, semi-open woodland, and second growth. The species readily uses edges, hedgerows, plantations, and gardens where fruiting trees and shrubs are present. It is typically found in lowlands and foothills, often near forest gaps and riparian corridors.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The West Mexican euphonia is a small finch-like songbird of western Mexico, recently split from the scrub euphonia in 2021. Males show striking dark upperparts contrasted with bright yellow underparts, while females are olive and more subdued. It specializes on small fruits, especially mistletoe berries, and is an important seed disperser in tropical dry forests. It adapts well to edges and gardens where fruiting shrubs are available.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief undulations
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, often joining mixed-species flocks when food is abundant. Nests are compact, well-hidden globular structures placed in shrubs or small trees. Pairs are attentive, with both adults participating in feeding the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, sweet whistles and tinkling notes, delivered in short bursts. Calls include soft chips and high, sibilant seee notes, often given from canopy perches. Vocalizations can be repetitive when birds are foraging or maintaining contact.
Plumage
Male has glossy blue-black to blackish upperparts with bright yellow underparts and a small yellow forehead patch; no wingbars and a short tail. Female is olive-green above with dull yellowish to grayish underparts and a plainer face. Both sexes have a short, stout bill adapted to fruit eating.
Diet
Primarily consumes small fruits and berries, notably mistletoe and other arillate fruits, which it often swallows whole. It occasionally supplements with small insects and arthropods, especially during the breeding season. By passing seeds intact, it plays an important role in plant dispersal within dry-forest ecosystems.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the mid- to upper canopy of dry forest, thorn-scrub, and secondary growth, moving along edges and clearings. It also frequents fruiting trees in plantations and gardens.
