The Saffron Finch
|
| Saffron Finch8,10,11 | |
| Sicalis flaveola | |
|  | |
| Bunting | |
|
|
| Hardiness: | Hardy |
| Reproduction: | May breed readily in captivity |
| Singing ability: | Hearty but repetitive |
| Compatibility: | Aggressive, mixes well with other aggressive species
[Compatibility Chart] |
| Size: | 6" (15.2 cm) |
| Approx. cost: | $100 (US) per pair |
| |
|
Other common names
Brazilian Saffron Finch, Sparrow Finch, Yellow Finch
Origin
South America
Area of distribution
Most of South America including: Netherlands Antilles, Colombia, Suriname, Argentina, Peru, Brazil, Venezuela, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Guyanas (also introduced to: Hawaii and Jamaica among other places).
Disposition
These birds should be evaluated on an individual pair basis. They may be spiteful or intimidating to smaller, more passive species, although some pairs are fairly tolerant (if a large enough enclosure is provided). They may become more aggressive during breeding.
Physical descriptions
Black maxilla (upper beak), pale mandible (lower beak), greenish yellow back, yellow under parts, wing and tail feathers are black lined with yellow, dark pink legs. The cock often has an orange forehead while the hen often has more dark streaks.
Sexing
The hen is more dull in color and her under parts are paler. She may appear to be similarly colored to a juvenile (being mostly gray with dark streaks). However, as the birds age their color tends to become more intense, so that older hens may appear brighter than cocks in their first adult plumage.
Song
No data.
Pictures
If you keep this species and have a photo of your birds to share, please
submit your photo for possible inclusion on this site! Credit will be given to you.
Photos by Emily Hoyer:
Favorite foods
Live food (insects), greens, oats.
Natural habitat
These birds are found in the open and semi-open lowland areas (grasslands and brushy areas) of South America. When breeding, they may build their own nests in tree hollows or may make use of abandoned Horneros' nests (a spherical, soccer-ball sized mud nest).
Habits
During the winter these birds live in flocks, and during Spring they pair off for breeding. They do not migrate.
Special considerations
No data.
Breeding season
Spring and Summer (in South America).
Breeding tips
These species may breed in either an aviary or a cage. Being cavity nesters, they appear to prefer a half-open (6") budgerigar nest box.
Life Cycle
| Clutch size: | 3-5 eggs |
| Incubation: | Done by the hen |
| Hatch date: | After 12-14 days of incubation; chicks are fed by both parents |
| Fledge date: | At 14-17 days of age |
| Wean date: | 4 weeks of age (remove as soon as they are independent) |
| First molt: | 12-18 months of age |
Related Article(s)
If you own this species and would like to write an article about your experiences with them for this page, please
submit your article for possible inclusion on this site. Credit will be given to you!
Saffron Finches
Has this article helped you? Please consider making a donation to keep FinchInfo.com online and growing!
Disclaimer: As the creator of FinchInfo.com, I take no responsibility for any mishaps which you may experience in following any advice given, nor in purchasing any products suggested. I will therefore not be liable for any consequences that arise from following any advice provided in these pages.
©2007 Finchinfo.com. No part of this page (including, but not limited to pictures, articles, advice, logo, or otherwise) may be copied or retransmitted by any means without expressed written permission from the author/creator of this page.
- This page is in Spanish and has several pictures.