Saffron Finch

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 are widely distributed throughout Columbia, 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 are olive-brown with heavy dark streaks.

The Saffron Finch nests in cavities and make use of sites such as abandoned Rufous Hornero 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.