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There are three other very similar species from the same genus in Brazil. The females and imature individuals are nearly impossible to tell apart, as they are light brown with some darker streaks. The Saffron Finch can be distinguished from the other species for the saffron color, mostly in the breeding season. The Orange-fronted Yellow Finch ( S. columbiana) is smaller than the Saffron Finch, the Stripe-tailed Yellow Finch (S. citrina) has greenish patches on the upper parts and the Grassland Yellow Finch (S. luteola) has brownish spots even in the head. One of the countryside’s most famous birds, the Saffron Finch’s song is unique for its beaty and complexity. Unfortunately its song...

11,5cm. Identification: there is no other Brazilian species like this bird, at least not in urban and disturbed areas. Formerly all the house wren populations ranging from Canada to Chile were considered as a single species, but after several studies the populations south to Mexico were renamed as the Tropical House Wren (Troglodytes musculus ). This hyperactive bird hops non-stop on the ground in search for the small invertebrates it feeds on, reminding a mouse (musculus = mouse ). It only perches to rest or to sing. Its song is very complex and melodic, like other well known members of the Troglodytidae family. It is famous for the breeding behavior, as this bird may nest in the mos...

23cm. The beak is dark, the wings ferruginous and the throat from white to light brown with faint streaks. The inferior parts are pale, sometimes white. Distribution: From Venezuela to Argentina and Paraguay. Mideast and South of Brazil. Habitat: Secondary forests, woods, gallery forests and cities, provided there are enough trees. Diet: Feeds on fruits, seeds, arthropods and earthworms. Reproduction: The female builds the nest with sticks and mud. It is usually placed in a palm tree or on walls. The male helps feeding the brood (generally three). Natural history: The name “sabiá� in Portuguese comes from Tupi (an indian language) and means “the one who prays� and i...

24cm. Identification: it is the only Brazilian thrush with reddish belly. It is the Brazilian Symbol Bird and this title has recently been given for its strong presence in the country’s popular culture, especially in poetry and music. Although it is distributed throughout Brazil (except from the Amazon region ) it is more common near the coastline as it prefers moist environments. This thrush lives in farms, forest edges and is especially common in urban parks, being one of the most typical birds in some of Southeastern Brazil largest cities. The very beautiful song is very variable, even at the individual level.The real song can only be heard in the spring, the breeding season when ...

22 cm. The upper parts are brown or grayish. The chest and belly are bright yellow. Distribution: From Texas (U.S.A) to Argentina. Has expanded its distribution, benefited from deforestation. Habitat: Forest borders, cerrado, fields and cities. Diet: Mostly flying insects that it catches in small flights from a perch. Follows fires in order to catch the escaping insects. Also eats fruits. Reproduction: The nest is made of sparse sticks and is usually placed in trees with hives or with plenty of ants in order to increase safety. The offspring, (2 or 3) are fed by the couple. Natural history: Migrates to the north in the southern winter. During this migration it may appear in...