Orangequit
NameOrangequit
Common NameOrangequit
Scientific NameEuphonia musica
FamilyFringillidae
Wingspan (cm)19
Length (cm)11.5
Weight (g)13
Plumage DetailsMales are iridescent deep purplish-blue over most of the body, with a contrasting bright orange throat patch. They have a black mask extending from the lores to the eye and black primary feathers. Females are duller, mostly olive-green with a yellowish belly and a smaller, duller orange throat patch.
Vocalization / CallIts song is a series of clear, high-pitched, whistled notes, often described as 'swee-swee-swee' or 'tsee-tsee-tsee'. They also produce chattering or buzzing calls.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Caribbean islands of Hispaniola and Puerto Rico, including some smaller associated islands.
Identifying Featuresdeep blue plumage (male), bright orange throat patch (male), black mask (male), small size, stocky build
Description
A small, stocky songbird, the male Orangequit is striking with its deep purplish-blue plumage and vibrant orange throat patch. They are typically found foraging for fruits and insects in the canopy of tropical and subtropical forests.
