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Saffron Finch

Sicalis flaveolaOrder: PASSERIFORMESFamily: Sparrows (Emberizidae)

Saffron Finch Portrait
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General

Saffron Finch: Native to South America and while called a finch it is actually in the tanager family. Upperparts are yellow-green, underparts are yellow. Crown is orange. Wing and tail feathers are black edged in yellow. Bill is gray on upper mandible and ivory on lower mandible. The female is more dull in color has paler underparts. Some females resemble juveniles, olive-brown with heavy dark streaks.

Range and Habitat

Saffron Finch: Introduced to Hawaii in the 1960s. Prefers lowlands that are open or lightly wooded. Native to South America outside the Amazon Basin.

Voice Text

"chirp", "tick"

Interesting Facts

  • A group of finches has many collective nouns, including a "charm", "company", and "trembling" of finches.
  • The Saffron Finch is also known as the Yellow Finch and Pelzeln's Finch.
  • It was first described by Carolus Linnaeus in 1766.
  • Males can be aggressive during breeding season, in some places 2 males are placed in a cage to fight.


Author

Crystal Adams

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Range Map for Saffron Finch
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Family
Species Sicalis flaveola
Length6 Inches
Wingspan Inches

Saffron Finch

Saffron Finch: Native to South America. Upperparts are yellow-green, underparts are yellow. Crown is orange. Wing and tail feathers are black edged with yellow. Bill is gray on upper mandible and ivory on lower mandible. Legs and feet pink-gray. Undulating flight, alternates flapping and gliding.

● Song: "chirp", "tick"

● Foraging & Feeding: Saffron Finch: Forages on the ground for seeds, insects, and a variety of plants and will also visit backyard feeders.

● Breeding & nesting: Saffron Finch: Three to five off-white eggs, heavily marked with brown, are laid in a cavity of a tree, crevice of a rock, or under the eaves of a building. Incubation is carried out by the female for 12 to 14 days, chicks fledge at 14 days.

● Similar species: Saffron Finch: Not likely to be confused with any other species.

Flight Pattern

Alternates several rapid wing beats with wings pulled to sides.
Saffron Finch Body Illustration
● Range & Habitat: Saffron Finch: Introduced to Hawaii in the 1960s. Prefers lowlands that are open or lightly wooded. Native to South America outside the Amazon Basin.
BreedingPolygamous
Population
MigrationNonmigratory
Weight0.7 Ounces