| Euphonia | |
|---|---|
| Violaceous Euphonia, Euphonia violacea | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Suborder: | Passeri |
| Infraorder: | Passerida |
| Superfamily: | Passeroidea |
| Family: | Fringillidae |
| Subfamily: | Euphoniinae |
| Genus: | Euphonia Desmarest, 1806 |
| Species | |
|
See text. |
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Euphonias are members of the genus Euphonia, a group of Neotropical birds in the finch family. Euphonia contains close to 27 species. They and the chlorophonias comprise the subfamily Euphoniinae.
Most euphonias are dark metallic blue above and bright yellow below. Many have contrasting pale foreheads and white undertails. Some have light blue patches on the head and/or orangish underparts.
Euphonias were once considered members of the tanager family, Thraupidae, and their taxonomic status is still being questioned.
The Black-throated Euphonia ("Euphonia vittata") is now thought to be a hybrid between the Chestnut-bellied Euphonia and the Orange-bellied Euphonia.