Saffron Finch

Saffron Finch

Sicalis flaveola

Also known as: Saffron Yellow-Finch

Predict Sightings

About This Species

A bright yellow finch of open grassland, scrub and gardens, often seen foraging on the ground for seeds in small flocks or perched conspicuously on wires and low shrubs. Males in breeding condition show a striking orange-tinged crown that makes them easy to pick out among duller females and juveniles. It is present year-round through much of its range and most active feeding in the cooler parts of the morning.

Ethical Viewing Guidelines

  • A distance of around 10 metres is generally sufficient, since this species is often found in semi-urban settings and is relatively tolerant of people at a respectful distance.
  • Where introduced, such as in parts of North America and the Caribbean, it typically receives fewer specific protections than native species, while in its native South American range general wildlife protection laws apply; specifics vary by country.
  • Avoid trapping or capturing individuals, which occurs in parts of its range for the cage-bird trade and pressures wild populations.
LCAvesPasseriformesThraupidae

Seasonal Activity

873,708 sightings · 2000–2026

Citizen science records via GBIF

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Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Thraupidae

Photo

Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons

CC-BY-SA-4.0

Occurrence data from GBIF.