Even amidst the emerald embrace of our Costa Rican mountain retreat, a flash of vibrant melody can catch your eye, or rather, your ear. The olive-backed euphonia, a tiny songbird with a dazzling plumage, is a common sight (and sound) for our guests venturing into the lush foothills. Let’s delve into the world of this captivating creature!

A Finch by Family, a Fashionista by Design

The olive-backed euphonia belongs to the finch family, a diverse group of seed-eating songbirds. But unlike its ground-dwelling finch cousins, the euphonia takes to the trees, flitting amongst the branches with acrobatic ease.

Here at the retreat, you’ll likely spot the olive-backed euphonia in small groups, their bright colors a beacon against the verdant backdrop. The males, the true dandies of the species, sport a glossy olive-green back, a sunny yellow forehead, and a vibrant rufous belly that seems perpetually puffed out in pride.

Females, while lacking the male’s glossy sheen, are no less striking. Their olive upperparts are complemented by a warm chestnut forehead and a cheerful yellow underbelly with a hint of rufous. Juveniles take after neither parent, opting for a more subdued outfit of dull olive with darker accents.

A Life in the Canopy

The olive-backed euphonia is a resident breeder in the Caribbean lowlands and foothills, making our mountain retreat the perfect place to observe them. They frequent wet forests, second-growth areas (forests recovering from disturbance), and even bushy clearings, thriving from sea level up to an altitude of 1000 meters.

Keen observers might spot their spherical cup nests, cleverly hidden amongst epiphytes (plants that grow on other plants) or moss, at heights ranging from 2 to 11 meters above the ground. The nest, with its side entrance, cleverly disguises the precious cargo – a clutch of three brown-marked white eggs.

A Songster’s Diet

The olive-backed euphonia is a true gourmand of the skies. Their diet consists mainly of small fruits, making them frequent visitors to fruiting trees and shrubs. They’ve also been known to indulge in the occasional flower nectar and insects, ensuring a well-rounded dietary plan.

A Delight for the Senses

If you’re fortunate enough to spot an olive-backed euphonia, take a moment to appreciate its dazzling plumage. But don’t just admire the beauty – listen closely! These little songsters are aptly named, with a repertoire of high-pitched whistles and warbles that add to the symphony of the Costa Rican mountains.

So, the next time you’re exploring the trails around our retreat, keep your eyes peeled for a flash of color and your ears tuned for a sweet melody. You might just be enchanted by the olive-backed euphonia, a tiny jewel gracing the mountains of Costa Rica.

For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica

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