Elegant Euphonia Chlorophonia elegantissima Scientific name definitions

Unlike most euphonias that are attired in dark blue and yellow, the Elegant Euphonia sports turquoise and orange, similar to Antillean Euphonia (Chlorophonia musica) and Golden-rumped Euphonia (Chlorophonia cyanocephala), all three of which were once considered a single species. Most often, this dainty finch is encountered in humid, montane oak forests as high as about 3500 m. It occurs northward to Sonora and Nuevo Leon and southward to the highlands of western Panama. There, flocks, occasionally numbering dozens of individuals, may be seen feeding in clumps of fruiting mistletoe. The male’s bright blue crown and orange belly aid in locating this tiny bird (length 11 cm) in the foliage of tall oaks. The female also sports a blue crown, but her green back and underparts is more cryptic among the green leaves. Elegant Euphonias undergo some seasonal and altitudinal movements, occasionally being found close to sea level.

10 cm; 13–17 g. Small-billed euphonia, male with orange-rufous underparts. Male nominate race has rufous forehead bordered behind by pencil-thin line of black; crown and nape bright turquoise-blue, the blue extending down side of neck behind ear-coverts; side of head and throat black; upper­parts, including upperwing-coverts, flight-feathers and tail, glossy purplish-black; underparts tawny-orange, darkest on chest; underwing-coverts white; iris dark brown; bill blackish, greyish base of lower mandible; legs dusky grey. Female has forehead rufous, bright sky-blue crown and nape, blue curling down onto side of neck behind ear-coverts (as on male), side of head olive; upperparts bright olive-green; upperwing-coverts mostly olive-green, flight-feathers dusky, edged olive-green; tail dull dark olive-green; throat washed cinnamon, becoming yellowish-olive on breast and sides and greenish-yellow on centre of belly and undertail-coverts. Juvenile is like female, male with cinnamon-tinged chin and contrasting blue-black flight-feathers; immature male much like adult female, but slightly duller, and with blue restricted to crown (not reaching nape). Race rileyi male more steely-blue above, with duller hood, female greyer above and generally duller (less green and yellow) than nominate; vincens male has crown distinctly lighter blue than nominate, female intermediate between those of other races.

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Forms a monophyletic species group with C. cyanocephala and C. musica, and all formerly considered conspecific; widely separated geographically, the three do not differ greatly in voice or behaviour, although males differ somewhat in plumage, females less so. Race vincens poorly differentiated, and perhaps better subsumed into nominate. Three subspecies recognized.

Editor's Note: Additional distribution information for this taxon can be found in the 'Subspecies' article above. In the future we will develop a range-wide distribution article.

In Mexico occurs in open pine–oak (Pinus–Quercus) woodland, oak scrub, borders of broadleaf evergreen forest, and plantations, also scattered trees in clearings near forest and in all areas often in trees with mistletoe (Loranthaceae). In Costa Rica and W Panama mainly in humid montane forest and along forested borders and second growth. Mainly at 1000–2500 m, in Mexico regularly down to 500 m, lower in non-breeding period, and in Costa Rica post-breeders regularly to as low as 750 m on Caribbean slope; locally from almost sea-level to 3050 m in Panama, but most numerous c. 1050–1500 m.

Birds from N part of range in Mexico may migrate S during coldest months; also descends to lower levels in non-breeding period. In Costa Rica regularly makes post-breeding descent on Caribbean slope, and in Panama post-breeding downslope movements into lowlands reported.

Feeds almost entirely on small soft berries, principally of mistletoe; exocarp sometimes removed before eating. Pairs or small groups, occasionally up to c. 9–10 individuals, spend long periods of time in or near clumps of mistletoe, and may fly off long distances in search of other trees with suitable clumps of mistletoe. Reported roosting associations of up to 50 or more individuals sleeping in close proximity in dense foliage, dispersing at dawn.

Song a long, fast jumble of little trills, bubbly notes, whistles and chips in rambling fashion. Calls include variety of reedy and tinkling notes, some sharp, some soft and mellow; frequently a soft plaintive “pee”.

Insufficient data on season. Rounded or globular nest with side entrance, finely woven with slender rootlets and dry grass stems, lined with finer grass; up to 18 m above ground in niche on high bank or in moss, Tillandsia, or epiphytes on trunk, limb or branch fork. Clutch 3 eggs, creamy white, thickly or sparsely dotted brownish or purplish, especially at larger end. No other information.

Not globally threatened. Fairly common over most of range. Survives in variety of semi-open or disturbed montane habitats, and also occurs in a number of protected areas, including Sierra de Manantlán Biosphere Reserve and Volcán Nevado de Colima and Cañon del Sumidero National Parks, among others, Mexico, Cerro El Baúl and Los Aposentos (near Chimaltenango), in Guatemala, and Celaque National Park, in Honduras. The species’ range contains much suitable habitat which is unprotected, but with little short-term risk of development.