Scrub euphonia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Scrub euphonia
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Genus:	Euphonia
Species:	affinis

The scrub euphonia (Euphonia affinis) is a small, colorful bird. It belongs to the Fringillidae family, which includes finches. These birds are known for their bright colors and sweet songs. You can find them in parts of Mexico and Central America.

Bird Families and Subspecies

Birds are grouped into families based on their shared features. The scrub euphonia is part of the Euphonia group. Sometimes, a species can have different types within it, called subspecies. These are like different versions of the same bird.

For example, the scrub euphonia has a close relative. This bird, called E. godmani, lives on the Pacific coast of central Mexico. It is now considered its own full species. It is known as the West Mexican euphonia (Euphonia godmani).

What Does the Scrub Euphonia Look Like?

Female (left) and male (right) scrub euphonias.

Both male and female scrub euphonias have a thin, delicate beak. Their legs and eyes are dark in color.

The male scrub euphonia is very striking. It has bright yellow feathers on its belly and black feathers on its back. There is also a small yellow spot on the front of its head. The feathers under its tail are white.

Female scrub euphonias look a bit different. They have a grey head and dull olive-green feathers on their upper body. Their underparts are a mix of buff and grey. Like the males, their belly and the feathers under their tail are white.

Reproduction and Nests

Scrub euphonias build interesting nests. Their nest is shaped like a ball with an opening on the side. They usually place these nests in thick bushes or other safe, hidden spots.

Female scrub euphonias lay between two and five eggs. The eggs are whitish and have small brown speckles on them.

Where Do Scrub Euphonias Live?

The scrub euphonia lives in many places. You can find them on both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of Mexico. Their range goes south from the states of Sonora and Nuevo Leon. They also live in much of eastern Mexico, including the Yucatan Peninsula.

These birds are also common throughout Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. They can be found along the Atlantic and Pacific coastal lowlands in Costa Rica.

Scrub euphonias like different kinds of places to live. They can be found in areas where forests are growing back. They also live in groups of trees, farm areas, and gardens. They are comfortable in places changed by people.

How Scrub Euphonias Behave

Scrub euphonias are often seen with other birds. They sometimes join yellow-throated euphonias. They also feed in mixed groups with other bird species.

These birds love to eat fruit. They are especially fond of berries from mistletoe plants.

What Do Scrub Euphonias Sound Like?

This bird is quite noisy! It makes many different sounds. Some of its calls include a bright dwee dwee dwee. It also makes a sad-sounding syeeu syeeu. When it flies, it sometimes makes a quick slip slip sound.

Their songs can change a lot. Some songs sound like si chi-chi-chi-si. Others are like a smooth, twittering warble.

Are Scrub Euphonias in Danger?

The scrub euphonia is a very common bird. It is found across a large area. Because of this, experts say it is a species of least concern. This means it is not currently in danger of disappearing.

This bird can live well in places where humans have changed the environment. It is a common sight throughout its wide range.