Bird World Site

Saffron Finch

Bird Name:

Saffron Finch

Latin Name:

Sicalis flaveola

Status:

Least Concern

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Aves

Order: Passeriformes

Family: Thraupidae

Genus: Sicalis

Species: S. flaveola

General Information:

The Saffron Finch is a commonly found tanager. Although it was formerly placed in the family Emberizidae, it is now classified as being closer to the seedeaters.

Saffron Finch

Physical Description:

This tanager is normally between 5.5 and 6 inches in length. The male exhibits bright yellow feathers and is topped with an orange crown that distinguishes it from the other yellow finches of South America. The female sometimes resembles a duller, less vibrant version of the male. Some race of this bird, such as S. f. pelzelni, are olive-brown in color with dark streaks.

Diet:

Saffron Finches have seed diets, but are also known to be insectivorous.

Habitat:

There ar three separate populations of Saffron Finches in South America, all residing in open and semi-open areas in lowlands outside the Amazon Basin. One population resides in northern Columbia and Venezuela. Another population has occurs in Ecuador and Peru. The last population has a range from northeastern Brazil to central Argentina. These birds prefer the lowlands that are open or semi-open. They are known to nest in cavities, making use of the derelict nests such as those of the Rufuous Hornero (Furnarius rufus), as well as nesting in house roofs.

Saffron Finch

Reproduction:

The Saffron Finch averages 3 to 5 eggs per clutch, which hatch after 14 days. The female solely incubates the eggs, but the male will stand guard against predators. Both parents assume eating responsibilities.