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Overview
Yellow-collared chlorophonia

Yellow-collared chlorophonia

Wikipedia

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.

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Distribution

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

Characteristics

Size11–13 cm
Wing Span18–22 cm
Male Weight0.017 kg
Female Weight0.015 kg
Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

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.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo
Bird photo

Behaviour

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.

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