Thick-billed Euphonia vs Spot-crowned Euphonia

In short

To distinguish between the Thick-billed Euphonia and the Spot-crowned Euphonia, focus on the male's head markings: the Thick-billed has a yellow forecrown reaching just behind the eye, while the Spot-crowned has a distinctive spot on the crown. Females of both species are similar, being olive above and yellow below.

Identification tips

• Male head markings: Thick-billed has a yellow forecrown patch extending behind the eye; Spot-crowned has a crown spot.
• Female similarity: Both species' females are olive above and yellow below.
• Habitat overlap: Both species can be found in similar habitats, often in mixed-species flocks.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of euphonias.

Plumage

Male Thick-billed Euphonias are glossy steel blue with a yellow forecrown patch extending behind the eye and bright yellow underparts. Male Spot-crowned Euphonias have a spot on the crown. Females of both species are olive above and yellow below, making them harder to distinguish.

Behaviour

Both species are often found in pairs or small groups and may join mixed-species flocks, particularly with tanagers.

Habitat

Thick-billed Euphonias are found below 1200 m in secondary woodland, forest borders, and scrubby clearings and gardens. Spot-crowned Euphonias share similar habitats but specific range details are less clear.