The white-lored euphonia or golden-bellied euphonia is a songbird species of the family Fringillidae, having recently been moved there from the Thraupidae.
Region
Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
This species inhabits humid lowland tropical forests across much of the Amazon Basin, including forest edges, secondary growth, and riverine woodland. It typically keeps to the mid-story and canopy, moving through fruiting trees. It can occur in lightly disturbed habitats and along forest margins where small fruits are abundant. Urban parks and plantations are only occasionally used when suitable fruit resources are present.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the golden-bellied euphonia, it is a small canopy songbird now placed in the finch family (Fringillidae) after formerly being grouped with tanagers (Thraupidae). Its distinctive white lore patch helps separate it from similar Euphonias. It feeds heavily on mistletoe berries and other small fruits, playing an important role in seed dispersal in tropical forests.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups moving quickly between fruiting trees, sometimes loosely associating with mixed-species flocks. Nesting is typically in a small, domed or cup-like structure placed in foliage or a sheltered fork. Both parents participate in feeding the young, with the male often provisioning at fruiting trees.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers a series of thin, sweet, and slightly metallic whistles, often in short, repeated phrases. Contact calls are high, clear peeps given while foraging in the canopy. Songs carry well through the forest despite their delicate quality.
Plumage
Male is glossy dark bluish to blackish above with bright golden-yellow underparts; feathers appear smooth and sleek. Female is olive-green above with dull yellow to yellow-olive underparts and a more diffuse, matte appearance.
Diet
Primarily consumes small fruits and berries, especially mistletoe and other hemi-parasitic plants. Also takes figs and assorted soft fruits gleaned in the canopy. Insects and small arthropods are occasionally taken, particularly during the breeding season to feed nestlings. Its fruit-heavy diet makes it an efficient seed disperser.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly in the mid-story to canopy of humid forest, visiting fruiting trees along edges and gaps. Frequently hops and makes short sallies between nearby branches. Will use secondary growth and river edges when fruit is abundant.
