White-vented Euphonia (Euphonia minuta)

Identification & Behavior: ~9.5 cm (4 in). The male White-vented Euphonia is glossy blue above and orange-yellow below. The head and throat are also glossy blue with a yellow forehead. The bill is stubby. The wing has a middle white band. The tail feathers have extensive white webbing. The white on the tail and wings are readily seen when the bird is in flight. The female is yellow-green above and golden yellow below with a light gray throat. In both sexes the lower belly, vent, and undertail coverts are white. The common and widespread Orange-bellied Euphonia has yellow lower belly and undertail coverts.

Status: The White-vented Euphonia is uncommon and widespread in Amazonia where it is known to range up to 1500 m along the foothill of the Andes. It also occurs in Co, Ec, Br, and Bo.

Name in Spanish: Eufonia de Subcaudales Blancas.

Sub-species: White-vented Euphonia (Euphonia minuta minuta), Cabanis, 1849.

Meaning of Name: Euphonia: Gr. eu= good and phōnē= voice. euphōneō to have a good voice. Euphōnia= goodness of voice, excellence of tone, euphony. minuta: L. minutes= small, little, minuere= to make smaller.

See more of the Family Fringillidae