Bird’s ID – Saffron Finch
Saffron Finch
The Saffron Finch (Sicalis flaveola) is a tanager from South America that is common in open and semi-open areas in lowlands outside the Amazon Basin. They have a wide distribution in Colombia, northern Venezuela (where it is called “canario de tejado” or “roof canary”), western Ecuador, western Peru, eastern and southern Brazil (where it is called “canário-da-terra” or “native canary”), Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, northern Argentina, and Trinidad and Tobago. It has also been introduced to Hawaii, Puerto Rico and elsewhere. Although commonly regarded as a canary, it is not related to the Atlantic canary. Formerly, it was placed in the Emberizidae but it is close to the seedeaters.
The male is bright yellow with an orange crown which distinguishes it from most other yellow finches (the exception being the orange-fronted yellow finch). The females are more confusing and are usually just a slightly duller version of the male, but in the southern subspecies S. f. pelzelni they are olive-brown with heavy dark streaks.
Typically nesting in cavities, the saffron finch makes use of sites such as abandoned rufous hornero (Furnarius rufus) nests, bamboo branches and under house roofs – this species is tolerant of human proximity, appearing at suburban areas and frequenting bird tables. They have a pleasant but repetitious song which, combined with their appearance, has led to them being kept as caged birds in many areas. Males are polygamous, mating with two females during the nesting season, and territorial, which has led to the species being used for blood sporting with two males put in a cage in order to fight.
Photo Gallery
H.J. Ruiz - Avian101 
Wouldn’t it be fun to have this pretty thing at a feeder? They are lovely, although the thought of them being caged does make me a little sad.
Thank you, Linda. 🙂
What beautiful colours the bird displays.
Yes, the color of saffron is well known in the culinary world. Thank you, Susan. 🙂
Used for blood-sporting? Good god, those people need to get a life! Pretty bird, I can definitely see the Tanager in it.
Many things happen around the world, that are not in our “book of life”. Thank you, Jane. 🙂
I enjoyed this overview of the beautiful saffron finch, HJ. In Hawaii they can be spotted in open beach areas on the grass, and I see from your write-up they tolerate human proximity. Bird caging events are shameful, I’m glad I’ve only seen this beauty in the wild. Lovely photos.
They are not only beautiful but they really can sing! Gorgeous songs. Thank you for sharing my friend. 🙂
Oh wow, it’s gorgeous!
Thanks so much, Deborah, 🙂
Adorable and colourful birds!
Thanks, Indira. Yes! 🙂
Beautiful bird. Hugs
Thank you, Mags. Hugs. 🙂
Such a gorgeous-coloured bird!
Yes, I agree with you. Thanks, Clare. 🙂
🙂
What a charmer.
Thank you, Tom. 🙂
Lovely!
Thanks, Urzre. 🙂
A beautiful bird, I love that bright yellow and it’s little orange crown patch! 🙂
Thank you very much, Donna. 🙂