Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Emberizidae
Genus: Sicalis
Species: S. flaveola

Identification
The Saffron Finch (Sicalis flaveola) is a finch from South America and is common in both open and semi-open areas in lowlands outside the Amazon Basin. They have a wide distribution in Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil and Argentina.

The male is bright yellow with an orange crown which distinguishes it from other yellow finches in the continent. The females are more confusing as they can sometimes be just a duller version of the male but some sub-species such as, S. f. pelzelni, is olive-brown with heavy dark streaks.

Habitat
They nest in cavities and make use of sites such as abandoned Rufous Hornero (Furnarius rufus) nests and house roofs. They have a pleasant but repetitious song which, combined with their appearance, has led to them being kept as caged birds in many areas.

One Reply to “Saffron Finch (Sicalis flaveola)”

  1. thats one cute bird – well captured. I have been away for a while and see that you have many great bird photos I have to catch up with! they are all very good 🙂 cheers

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