The Saffron Finch, also known as the Brazilian Saffron Finch, Brazilian Bunting, Brazilian Canary, Northern Saffron Finch, and Jamaican Wild Canary, is a strikingly beautiful bird native to South America.
It is a beloved species among bird enthusiasts for its colorful plumage and distinctive characteristics.
saffron finch facts 🦜 calling 🎶 tanager from South America
Video by Amazing Planet!
Pelzeln's Saffron Finch (S. f. pelzelni)
A subspecies of the Saffron Finch, Pelzeln's Saffron Finch, or Southern Saffron Finch, is slightly smaller in size compared to the nominate form. It is more muted in color, with blackish streaks on the flanks. In some cases, it is classified as a separate species, S. pelzelni.
Origin
The Saffron Finch is native to South America.
Area of Distribution
These finches are found across a wide range of South American countries, including:
- Netherlands Antilles
- Colombia
- Suriname
- Argentina
- Peru
- Brazil
- Venezuela
- Paraguay
- Uruguay
- Bolivia
- Ecuador
- Guyanas
Disposition
The behavior of Saffron Finches should be assessed on an individual pair basis. While some pairs are relatively tolerant, they may become aggressive, especially toward smaller, more passive species. They are known to show increased aggression during the breeding season, with some males even displaying lethal tendencies toward their mates or juveniles.
Physical Description
The Saffron Finch has several distinguishing features:
Beak: A black maxilla (upper beak) and pale mandible (lower beak)
Plumage: Greenish-yellow back, yellow underparts, and wing and tail feathers that are black with yellow lines
Legs: Dark pink legs
Hen: Typically features more dark streaks
Dear Lykkers, the Orange-Fronted Yellow-Finch (Sicalis columbiana) is similar but smaller and has less streaking, even in hens and juveniles. It also has dusky lores, while the Saffron Finch has yellow lores.
Natural Habitat
Saffron Finches thrive in open and semi-open lowland areas, including grasslands, river valleys, and brushy regions of semi-arid South America. They are often found in parks, gardens, and towns. When breeding, they may nest in tree hollows, crevices in walls or rocks, or take over abandoned Horneros' nests, which are spherical, mud-made structures.
Habits
Saffron Finches are non-migratory and live in flocks during the winter months. They pair off for breeding in the spring. These birds spend considerable time on the ground foraging for food.
Special Considerations
Lethargy and Obesity
In captivity, Saffron Finches may become lethargic and prone to obesity. It is recommended to provide a spacious enclosure and offer an austerity diet when they are not breeding. The ambient temperature should not fall below 46°F (8°C) for extended periods.
Housing and Aggression
Due to their aggressive tendencies, particularly toward other yellow-plumed birds, Saffron Finches should not be housed with such species. If transportation is required, each bird should have its own compartment to prevent stress-induced aggression. Enclosures should have dense plantings like thick shrubs and seeding grasses to reduce aggression, with some open areas for the birds to fly through and access the ground.
Health Considerations
Saffron Finches may develop raised scales on their legs as they age. They are also susceptible to intestinal parasites, including coccidia, and air sac mites. Routine anti-parasitic treatment is advised. These birds typically live for about 11 years in captivity.
Hybridization
Saffron Finches have reportedly hybridized with several species, including the Yellow Canary (Serinus flaviventris), the domestic canary (S. domesticus), the Chestnut-Capped Blackbird (Agelaius ruficapillus), the Grassland Yellow-Finch (Sicalis luteola), and the subspecies Pelzeln's Finch (S. pelzelni).
Breeding Season
In South America, the breeding season takes place during the spring and summer, typically corresponding with the wet/dry seasons. In captivity, they breed during the spring, with April and May being common months in the Northern Hemisphere.
