The yellow-collared chlorophonia is a bird species in the family Fringillidae . It is found in Colombia, Ecuador, and Panama. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Region
Chocó and western Andes of Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador
Typical Environment
Occurs from eastern Panama through western Colombia into northwestern Ecuador, primarily in the Chocó bioregion and adjacent Andean foothills. It inhabits humid lowland and montane forests, using both primary and well-developed secondary growth. The species favors the mid- to upper canopy, forest edges, and fruiting trees along clearings and riparian corridors. It may also visit shade coffee or forested plantations when suitable fruiting resources are present. Generally uncommon away from continuous or semi-continuous humid forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This vivid green finch relative was long grouped with tanagers but is now placed in the finch family (Fringillidae). Males show a striking yellow nape “collar,” and the species is an important disperser of small rainforest fruits such as mistletoes. It often forages quietly in pairs or small groups high in the canopy and may join mixed-species flocks. Its soft, whistled notes can carry surprisingly far in dense humid forest.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups in the canopy, sometimes joining mixed-species feeding flocks. Nests are typically neat, domed structures placed in dense vegetation or epiphytes. Both parents participate in care of the young. Territoriality is modest, focused around nest sites and fruiting trees.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song and calls are soft, clear whistles and tinkling notes, delivered in brief, repetitive phrases. Vocalizations are subtle but carry through the forest canopy, often revealing birds otherwise hidden in foliage.
Plumage
Compact, glossy leaf-green bird with smooth, even plumage; male shows a distinct yellow nape collar and bright yellow underparts, female is duller green with paler yellow below.
Diet
Primarily consumes small fruits and berries, including mistletoes and melastomes, swallowing them whole and dispersing seeds. Will take other soft pulpy fruits when available. Insects may be taken opportunistically, especially during breeding, but form a minor part of the diet. Feeds methodically among fruiting branches, often hanging to reach clusters.
Preferred Environment
Forages mostly in the mid- and upper canopy of humid forest and along edges with fruiting trees. Frequently visits forest gaps, riparian zones, and secondary growth where fruit is abundant. May venture into shaded agroforestry systems that retain native fruiting plants.
